RED ROCK — After pandemic restrictions and a major mechanical setback, the arena at the Red Rock Recreation Centre is finally open again and ready for community-wide use.
This development comes in the wake of new funding the township of Red Rock was granted through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Red Rock received $152,000 in total for three economic development projects, including the arena, funding for Superior Country to hire a marketing coordinator, and money to put towards the conception of a 10-year community strategic plan and community profile.
In a statement released to the public on Oct. 27, Thunder Bay–Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland noted that this funding will “stimulate tourism and aid in sustainability to the region for years to come.”
Around $87,000 went towards upgrading the ice plant at the arena.
Red Rock’s former ice plant was closed in 2022 due to safety concerns.
Before that, COVID-19 restrictions also kept residents off of the ice.
“The ice is in and it was opened [Nov. 2], so kids have been on it. It’s great to have it back,” Red Rock Mayor Darquise Robinson said. “It was closed for a couple years with COVID, then we had a plant malfunction, so that had to be repaired.”
With COVID-19 restrictions mostly lifted and access regained, the excitement in the township of Red Rock is palpable.
“It’s up-and-running, it looks great, [and] I can’t wait for everybody to get out there,” Robinson said.
A weekly schedule of when the ice is booked can be found online at the townships Facebook page or at the recreation centre. Residents are also welcome to call the recreation centre or the municipal office for more information.
Ice passes are available at the municipal office and can also be purchased directly from the recreation centre as well.
