Calgary Flames donate new rink to Fernie following deadly ammonia leak

Dec 1 2017, 4:51 am

Hockey players and figure skaters in Fernie will have a home ice this winter.

The Calgary Flames and the NHL have donated an NHL-sized outdoor rink to the City of Fernie, and it is expected to open for the 2017-2018 season.

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Fernie’s original, indoor rink closed after three people died in October due to an ammonia leak in the building.

According to the Fernie Memorial Arena’s website, the buidling will be closed indefinitely.

“We are so grateful that the Calgary Flames Foundation approached us with this offer to bring skating back to our community,” said City of Fernie mayor, Mary Giuliano, in a release.

“We are thrilled that thanks to this donation, and the efforts of the Lion’s Club and other community volunteers, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this outdoor rink over the holidays.”

Construction of the outdoor rink will begin immediately, according to the release, and once complete the ice rink will be located beside the Fernie Aquatic Centre.

A group sent by the NHL and the Calgary Flames Foundation will be arriving in Fernie to begin construction, and the Fernie Lion’s Club has already begun preparing the site.

“We are looking forward to working with the City of Fernie, the Lion’s Club, Canadian Arena Products and many volunteers and staff on this project,” said executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation, Candice Goudie, in the release. 

“We believe in the power of sport and the benefit of providing communities opportunities to play and are happy to be a part of mobilizing this in Fernie.”

The new rink has the goal of opening before the holiday break, and maintenance will be organized by a Fernie volunteer committee once the ice is operationable.

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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