The pandemic has rejuvenated interest in an outdoor ice rink in Sarnia.
Bill Dennis thinks Sarnia needs to revisit the idea, and his city council colleagues unanimously agree.
"I've been contacted by numerous citizens and there appears to be a significant local interest in such a project," said Dennis. "Time is of the essence in order to potentially take advantage of this opportunity in 2020/2021. An outdoor rink would be a significant community asset every single year, but especially at this time, to assist with the mental health impacts of the pandemic with an outdoor activity."
The former Dow People Place in Centennial Park. Image courtesy of lambtoncountytrails.com.
Dennis said many citizens have fond memories of the old rink, at the former Dow People Place in Centennial Park.
"Given COVID, there could not be a better time to reintroduce this community opportunity. Of course, it would involve social distancing, but this is a way to address the mental health impacts associated with winter and the pandemic."
A new community event centre with a synthetic ice skating rink, water fountain and fireplace had been planned as part of Sarnia's 2014 Centennial Legacy Project. Mayor Mike Bradley reminded councillors and staff, the $3.7 million waterfront development was ultimately shelved in light of the significant expense anticipated to remediate the park.
"That was put together by the Maaten's and by Alex Jongsma and then we got into all the other issues in Centennial," said Bradley. "So, there are plans there, there are drawings, and there was a lot of research done on this by that group. So, we don't have to reinvent this if you want to take a look at that."
Council asked staff to prepare a report on the possibility of an outdoor rink for consideration during budget deliberations set for December 1.
Built in 1974, the Dow People Place was demolished in 2016 as part of the park's remediation.