Only indoor rink in Cape Breton’s Victoria County in danger of closing
The Victoria Highlands Civic Centre in Baddeck, N.S. is the only indoor arena for miles. It's nearly 50 years old and it's seen better days.
"We were shocked at the level of what's required for the building," said John Trickett, president of the arena’s board of directors.
Trickett says when an engineer was brought in to look at fixing the roof and adding more dressing room space for female players, a whole host of other problems was discovered.
Along with pieces of the wall behind one of the nets falling apart due to severe rusting, there are also rusting problems near the roof, which is causing mold and other weather damage.
"Essentially, it's like a rusted out car in some of the main areas," Trickett said. “And over years, that's allowed rain and water to get in and create rusting effects internally and other components. And mildew.”
The arena is home to more than 100 kids who play in the Baddeck and Area Minor Hockey Association.
Its catchment area ranges from North of Smokey to Iona - a distance of nearly 200 kilometres.
Victoria County Warden Bruce Morrison says replacement probably isn't feasible right now, so they're in the early days of looking at potential repairs.
"A brand new rink would be lovely," Morrison said. "But I think whatever improvements are going to be made will be based on whatever funding will be made available by, particularly, the provincial and federal governments."
Trickett says the hope is to avoid having to close the rink for the 2022-23 season, but he admits repairs won't come cheap.
"For this year, we're safe. But next year, it's in jeopardy," Trickett said.
"To get it roof-tight and weather-tight, we're looking at somewhere around $2.3 to $2.2 million dollars. But that doesn't address the other concerns inside with the mold issues, the wet insulation."
The arena is also home to the closing banquet for the annual Cabot Trail Relay Race and its more than a thousand runners. It also hosts many other events.
"It would be a big loss to the community," Trickett said.
Trickett and Morrison say the rink’s future will be further discussed with Victoria County council in October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.