Fundraising efforts are underway to replace the arena floor at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre Complex.
Brooke-Alvinston Fundraising and Marketing Assistant Jill Joris said they started working with corporate sponsors and local community groups ahead of the holidays.
"We have some sponsorship and naming opportunities," she said. "We were really lucky, Bluewater Power kicked off our fundraiser with a $25,000 donation. So we're really excited about that!"
Joris said, aside from a new floor, the dehumidifier and compressor also need to be replaced. She said it's projected to cost $2 million.
"The construction is slated for April 1 to October 1," she said.
The municipality was awarded grant funding from the Ontario government last year to revitalize the arena.
"It's a cost-share grant. So that means the municipality gets up to $1 million from the province and they contribute an equal amount," Joris said. "The goal is to raise $1 million."
Joris said a committee has been formed to come up with fundraising initiatives the community can support.
"Alvinston is a small, rural community with a huge spirit. So I am confident that this is an attainable goal," Joris said.
Joris said based on statistics from a few years ago, it was estimated there were over 20,000 annual visits at the arena. However, she said it's tough to gauge how often it's used, adding that people from other municipalities utilize the facility as well.
"The arena is kind of a hub," she said. "They [host] the Brooke Alvinston Watford Fall Fair, they have the rodeo, they do a big Canada Day celebration, on top of all their rink activities."
Public fundraising opportunities to support upgrades at the arena will be shared to the Alvinston Arena Floor Fund Facebook page.
