TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
Placing in the top five in the Kraft Hockeyville Competition last month guarantees that Bentley’s well-used arena will receive a financial boost.
As one of the top five winners in the contest, Bentley is to receive $25,000 with the only stipulation given that the money is used for repairs to the arena.
Bentley CAO Elizabeth Smart said there is a long list of possible repairs that are needed on the arena, but council wants to be sure the money is spent in the best possible way.
To ensure that happens, an ad hoc committee will be formed. The committee will consist of representatives from minor hockey, figure skating, Bentley Generals, Parkland Hockey League, Bentley School and the original Hockeyville committee.
Two members of the public are also invited to be on the committee.
“We wanted to involve the frequent users of the arena. They all have a stake in it (how the money is used),” said Smart.
Volunteer applications are available at the town office or on the website, or by calling the town office at 403-748-4044.
Smart said numerous upgrades have been completed on the arena, which was built in the 1960s.
However, she noted that there are a number of renovations, which could be completed to upgrade the aging structure.
“It has undergone a lot of hard use. It is a very busy place, and in the winter, it is definitely the hub of our town.”
The CAO noted that the $25,000 could possibly be used as seed money to obtain more funding for renovations.