Construction on an outdoor ice rink for the City of Fernie will get started immediately and a crew from the Calgary Flames and NHL will head to the area to help out.
The hockey rink in Fernie is still closed after a deadly ammonia leak killed three people in October.
The Calgary Flames Foundation teamed up with the league to donate a full-size, natural ice rink to the community, which will be set up across from the Aquatic Centre.
“We are so grateful that the Calgary Flames Foundation approached us with this offer to bring skating back to our community,” said Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano. “We are thrilled that thanks to this donation, and the efforts of the Lion’s Club and other community volunteers, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this outdoor rink.”
The local Lion’s Club is preparing the site and is working with members of the community to cover costs.
“Every year the Calgary Flames Foundation restores and refurbishes outdoor ice surfaces in our community. We are looking forward to working with the City of Fernie, the Lion’s Club, Canadian Arena Products and many volunteers and staff on this project,” said executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation, Candice Goudie. “We believe in the power of sport and the benefit of providing communities opportunities to play and are happy to be a part of mobilizing this in Fernie.”
Crews hope to have the new rink open to the public before the holiday break.
