Sun Peaks officially opens new NHL-sized rink

Kamloops residents had reason to celebrate on Friday when the Sun Peaks municipality official opened a new outdoor NHL-sized skating rink.

The new refrigerated skating facility, located adjacent to the Sports Centre and within easy walking distance of the Sun Peaks village, is expected to provide many opportunities for the community and visitors to the region.

In particular, the ice rink will extend the season and the reliability of skating at Sun Peaks.

The MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson Terry Lake was present for the official opening and took the time to praise the benefits it will bring to the community.

“The Government of British Columbia is proud to support the opening of the Sun Peaks Skating Rink and the opportunities it will provide British Columbians and visitors alike to participate in outdoor activities," says Lake. "It is great to see this facility come to life and the benefits it is already offering to local sports teams and the community at large.”

Congrats to @SunPeaksResort on new outdoor rink! $842k funding 4 outdoor lovers and those who #exploreBC #kamloops pic.twitter.com/wjyN2e1frl

— Terry Lake (@TerryLakeMLA) February 3, 2017

The construction of the facility was only made possible by a series of donations from the Province, the Sun peaks community, the federal Canada 150 program, Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and Area P of the TNRD.

The Province of British Columbia contributed $842,000 towards the skating rink, which included $400,000 in community recreation funding and $442,000 in Resort Municipality Initiative support. The Sun Peaks community also contributed $500,000 and the federal Canada 150 program contributed $95,000. As well, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and Area P of the TNRD offered grant contributions of $50,000 each.

Mayor Al Raine thanked all those who supported the project for their generosity and the benefits their investments will bring to the community.

“The community is pleased to recognize all those who supported the rink project," says Raine. "The rink is a $1.7 million dollar investment that will strengthen our community attractions and provide new recreational opportunities for the children and families of Sun Peaks.”

The investments have already created jobs and are expected to continue to strengthen and diversify the economy as well as help bring the community closer together.