ESTEVAN - Estevan city council received a letter from Midale's Harry O Memorial Arena committee on Dec. 9, as the committee is looking to remind the city about the importance it plays for Estevan, and vice versa.
There has been renewed discussion about the need for a third indoor ice surface in Estevan in recent weeks. Midale arena chairwoman Marnell Eagles said the Midale group is a strong supporter of bettering one's community, but it wants the city to consider the potential challenges a third arena could have on neighbouring communities and their recreation facilities.
She noted the significant improvements at the Harry O during the past few years, including installing a dehumidifier; updating change room showers to provide a clean and sae environment; providing a water bottle fill system; purchasing a new Zamboni; and investing in new epoxy flooring.
The Harry O Memorial Arena also includes a bar, canteen and an adjoining curling facility, which can be used for off-ice conditioning.
"To remain successful, our arena relies heavily on neighbouring communities," she wrote. "By choosing to utilize facilities such as ours, Estevan would be helping sustain small-town arenas, which are vital to the survivability of small-town communities."
Midale is committed to ongoing renovations and improvements to ensure the arena remains a top choice for Estevan teams, she said.
"We hope that you will consider Midale Harry O. Memorial Arena as a practical, cost-effective alternative to a new facility, benefitting both our communities," she said.
Coun. Brian Johnson wanted to know how many hockey players from Estevan are going to Midale for practices and games, and which age groups they are in.
"If we can have that information from the Midale scheduler, that will help us make a decision in the future," he said.
He wants the same information for Bienfait, since the Bienfait Memorial Arena has asked the city to partner on a renovation of their facility.
Mayor Tony Sernick said he can't recall the amount of ice time in neighbouring facilities dedicated to Estevan minor hockey, but he believes it's over $100,000 that is being spread around in ice time rentals.
