PHOTO: Checking out the refurbished Zamboni are, from the left, Mel deHaan, Peter Ethier, Brenda Grady, Neil Nicholson (all from Westmeath District Recreation Association), Robin Sjaarda of SunSign Graphics, Whitewater Region Arenas Manager Hugh Martin, Whitewater Region Community Services Manager Jordan Durocher, Canadian Tire general manager John Birch, Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson and Councillor Chris Olmstead.
WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — Thanks to two sponsorships, the Zamboni ice machine at the Westmeath Arena has been refurbished.
Canadian Tire of Pembroke sponsored the $7,000 refurbishing of the Zamboni and SunSign Graphics put on the lettering, noted Neil Nicholson of the Westmeath Recreation District Association (WDRA).
The Zamboni is old and something had to be done, he said.
Canadian Tire owners Rick and Janet Johnson moved to the area two years ago and are pro-community, said John Birch, the store’s general manager.
“They like to put something back into their communities,” he said. “Last year it was Beachburg, this year it’s Westmeath.”
It’s encouraging to see corporate sponsorship continue for the arenas in Whitewater Region, even with the township taking over the operations of them, said Councillor Chris Olmstead.
“I said from Day 1, it’s vital that the volunteers, and opportunities to sponsor, continue,” he said, adding, “It’s important those continue.”
Jordan Durocher, the township’s community services manager, agreed.
He also noted while there have been a few bumps in the road since the township took over the arenas, “there hasn’t been any bumps we haven’t been able to overcome or that are affecting the users.”
There is opportunity for more ice times and a lot less volunteer hours, he said.
Employment opportunities have increased with three casual/part-time operators hired and a student, Mr. Durocher noted.
Mr. Nicholson, who is involved with sports in the Westmeath area, said the future is bright, “now that we have Jordan.
“We have an easier avenue to get revenue from sponsors.”
Mr. Durocher agreed, noting that sponsors will be able to go to one person for the recreational and culture information in the municipality who can guide them in the right direction.
