Eston’s Ice Surface Project is underway

By Adrienne Mason
agemason@gmail.com

The Ice Surface Project at the Eston AGT Community Complex is already underway. The glass and boards surrounding the skating rink have already started to be taken down to make space for the extensive work that needs to be done on the pad. This project is a large and expensive undertaking but one that needs to be completed in order to continue using the arena efficiently.

The current concrete has shifted enough over time that the difference in ice thickness from one area to another has varied by up to six inches in some areas. The difference in ice thicknesses put a strain on the refrigeration system and has also affected the use of the rink gates. Curling seasons have been cut short due to plant failures.

The complex is facilitated by a joint committee comprised of both Town of Eston and R.M. of Snipe Lake councillors. Together with the Recreation committee, everyone agreed that this surfacing project needed to be completed as soon as possible as is set to be completed already by early fall 2020. The project is currently being tendered.

This project is estimated to cost over 1.5 million dollars. The committees are looking at various grants to fund this project, but are also reaching out to the community for fundraising. Currently, the public can purchase squares for $150 and $300.

There will also be an auction held on Saturday, April 17. Donations of various items are being accepted. Even things such as baking, house cleaning hours, and dinner parties will gladly be added to the list of items. If you would like to donate, please call or email the Recreation Director, Erin Simpson, at recreation@eston.ca or 306-962-4460.

More information regarding the auction will be available soon!