Web Archive
August 20, 2014
For immediate release
Bedeque and Area Rec Centre announces launch of capital campaign to keep facility open
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
The capital campaign seeks to raise up to $500,000 for much needed repairs and upgrades. Sharon Ross from the BARC Board of Directors shed some light on where that money would go, indicating that, “We had three goals in mind when making our repair and upgrade list. We selected items that would keep our facility running, reduce operating costs and enhance the customer experience. Such things include refurbishment for our ice-making equipment, heating and lighting efficiencies, and restroom upgrades.”
Upgrades and repairs to the Bedeque and Area Rec Centre will benefit multiple organizations that use the facility regularly including Minor Hockey, Recreational Hockey, Learn to Skate programs, ‘Donuts’ Hockey (for adults new to the sport) and leisure skating. The goal of the campaign is to continue to keep the facility running for the 13 local communities it serves, and to continue to offer affordable rentals and hockey programs to residents.
The Bedeque and Area Rec Centre is a non-profit facility which was built in the 1970s and has changed very little since that time. With a threatened closure last fall, a volunteer board of directors pulled together to ensure it would continue to operate. With an influx of community and provincial support, the Bedeque Rec Centre competed in the Canada-wide 2013 Kraft Hockeyville competition earning 1.4 million votes, a Top 4 placement and $50,000 in arena upgrades.
The Province of Prince Edward Island has also announced funding for the Bedeque Rec Centre via the Island Community Fund. Just this week, Bedeque was granted $150,000 from the fund to help with the repairs and renovations.
“It is great to see how the entire community has come together to help realize this major renovation to the Bedeque rink which is a hub of activity for the surrounding communities. I would like to recognize the board members and all the community volunteers for their hard work and fundraising efforts, including attracting funding through Kraft Hockeyville, to help make these upgrades possible,” said Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley. “The Province of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with our Island communities to ensure a better quality of life for residents. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this project a reality.”
