M. McKinnon
Fund-raising has begun for the new Atikokan Recreation and Wellness Complex.
“We’re not sure how much we need to raise, but we know that everything we do collect will go a long way toward convincing the big supporters – corporations and senior government – that Atikokan is 100% behind this,” said Cara Chambers, chair of a committee formed earlier this month.
The committee was formed in response to the start of planning for a new arena. The Town, in its initial work with architects, is considering a new arena as part of a completely revamped facility linked directly with the existing municipal pool, with the possibility of some additional fitness facilities. (The proposals being considered by the Town are on display at Town Hall.) Such a ‘Recreation and Wellness Complex’ would be the most efficient way to go.
One of the driving forces behind the proposed construction project is the condition of the existing arena. Without some major investments, in both the floor (it heaved over six inches in 2006) and the refrigeration system, it’s not likely to last much longer. Is it worth investing over a million dollars in a 40-year-old building?
“At this point, we are going year to year, just trying to nurse it through the season,” said community services manager Nicole Halasz. “Our goal, if we can get all the funding lined up, is to have a new facility in place by the fall of 2012.”
The committee believes Atikokan can find the support needed to achieve that. And, even if the effort fails, any funds raised could go toward repairing the old arena.
A sub-committee of the main group, Sandy and Bud Dickson, Louise Sawchuk and Susan Bryk, is working on a plan for a strong and thorough appeal to possible corporate supporters, and the Town has started approaching senior government officials about funding sources.
Tracey Sinclair, Kim Wiens, Michael McKinnon, Mayor Dennis Brown, and Councillor Mary Makarenko have also agreed to serve on the committee.
“We approached a couple of dozen people, and everyone was keen about the idea; even if they couldn’t sit on the committee, they agreed to be involved in the project,” said Chambers. “Anyone who wants to help is welcome – just give any one of us a call.”
The fund-raising committee will be separate from the Town. Council has been invited to appoint a Councillor as a reporting officer (the Council members sitting so far are all willing to serve as a private citizen), and Town officials (treasurer André Morin, Halasz) are serving as resource persons for the committee.
The Town will be able to act as banker for the fund-raising, which means any donations it collects will qualify for charitable tax receipts. That will also make it easier for donors to sign-up for payroll deduction and automatic withdrawal donation programs, which the committee plans to roll out shortly.
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