Atikokan Mayor says arena renovation not eligible for federal funds
Arena needs a larger ice surface, improvements to the dressing rooms, and new entrance
Plans for major renovations for Atikokan's community arena and pool have come up against many of the same issues that put a stop to the proposed event centre in Thunder Bay.
Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown said he was told the project did not meet funding criteria for renovations to its pool and arena, although it had early signals from the federal government that it would receive money.
"It has to do with jobs and the economy. You can't use the word arena or pool or anything like that. Which is kind of too bad because arenas and pools are very important for recreation and the community," he said
Brown said the arena needs a larger ice surface, improvements to the dressing rooms, and a new entrance that would link together the arena and pool. There is also the hope of adding a canteen space.
The City of Thunder Bay had a similar experience when it attempted to obtain federal funds for a new event centre and arena. It received money from FedNor for studies, but was later told the project was ineligible for federal funding.
Thunder Bay originally sought $23 million from the federal government and $36 million from the provincial counterpart, but was informed that the project was not eligible for federal funding because of the involvement of professional sports.
Atikokan still hopes to obtain $1 million from FedNor for the renovations after meeting again with federal officials, Brown said.
"We appealed it and we had the meeting. You know, I think the way things sound now, if we go through the right process and use the right words, hopefully we will come up with some funding in the end."