By Treena Mielke
A senior from the Rimbey area who is worried that the community centre will be renamed can set her fears to rest.
The senior, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she was concerned that the Peter Lougheed Community Centre will be renamed after reading an article in the Aug. 2 edition of the Rimbey Review. The article stated that the arena would be named the Vern Poffenroth Memorial Arena, in memory of the man who was the founding member of the Rimbey Minor Hockey Association.
The senior said she understood and respected the fact the Poffenroth played a major role in hockey in Rimbey. However, she was saddened, because she thought Peter Lougheed, the former premier of Alberta, was also worthy of recognition, and the community centre’s name would no longer recognize that fact.
While Mayor Rick Pankiw confirmed that the information in the article is correct, he noted that it is the arena that is being given the new name, not the community centre.
“It is the Peter Lougheed Community Centre. There is no change to that,” he said.
However, the arena, which is located on the north side of the community centre will receive the name, Vern Poffenroth Memorial Arena.
Background information in the July 25 council package states Vern Poffenroth was the epitome of hockey in Rimbey. It states hockey in Rimbey would not be the same today, if it has not been for him. From father, coach and mentor, he lived hockey.
The desired outcome, as prepared and endorsed by Donna Tona, the former interim chief administrative officer, was to show recognition of service to a gentleman who lived and dreamed hockey in the community.
Pankiw said it is a fitting memorial and noted the Poffenroth family has been notified and is pleased with council’s decision. He said Keyera was also notified and endorsed the proposal.
The sign is to be erected in October and may coincide with the first Midget game of the season. The Poffenroth family will be invited to the unveiling.