Upper Skeena Arena News

Upper Skeena Arena News

Upper Skeena Recreation Centre  //  The current arena in the Hazeltons is old, outdated, and is suffering from severe structural problems. The ice arena has been a critical part of the community for generations, in the past hosting countless hockey practices, games and tournaments. In addition to hockey, the arena was the heart of the community and hosted many community functions such as graduations, community dances, and weddings.

The SIAA has been working for years to raise funds to build a new arena. Until recently, the project has been slow. Local organizations and governments have provided some seed funding and support. The grassroots Hockeyville campaign garnered thousands of stories and photos about the old arena. Project managers were recently hired who have experience with capital fundraising and building projects, and the new arena is moving forward.

Nov 7 / 1:27pm

Planning Underway for New Arena in Hazelton - Karin Koppits CJFW

Posted by email 

Planning Underway for New Arena in Hazelton

"The Barn" scheduled for de-commissioning in 2012

John Crawford

10/26/2010


A new Ice arena for the Hazeltons is one step closer to becoming a reality, now that a concept has been established. Hundreds of people attended an open house held in Hazelton Saturday to look at plans for a replacement for the Ken Trombley Memorial Arena.

Skeena Ice Association Project Manager Tom Madden says there's a lot of support for a new building.

"Both from the local elected area officials, from our presentation to the regional district officials, from the chiefs summit;  I think everyone understands the need is there for this facility in the community,” said Madden.

The anticipated cost for the new arena is in the 7-million dollar range, and some funding has already been raised through the Gitxsan hereditary chiefs and the Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Madden says the old arena site could be used for a number of activities.

"There has been some discussion about how that space might be turned into:  you could built a gym, or you could put some kind of recreation space there, maybe perhaps a lacrosse box, running area, those kinds of things are all idea that the committee has had expressed to them," said Madden, adding "the front half of the building which was built in I think 1997 is going to remain and be an integral part of the new facility. It will serve for special events; it will help the community in terms of other kinds of rentals. It’s a good facility and it’s got a lot of life left in it."

[reported by Karin Koppitz]