Murray River rink financial aid 'priority,' says Ron MacKinley
The P.E.I. government will be providing financial help to the Northumberland Arena in Murray River, says Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.
MacKinley said he heard a CBC News report this week about the compressor at the rink breaking down. It's a machine that works to keep the rink cold.
He said he signed the contract for their funding application right away. He notes it does fall within all the rules for rural development grants.
MacKinley said the provincial money will cover about 40 per cent of the costs, or about $14,000.
"I played hockey in Murray River years ago and I know how important hockey is to rural communities," said MacKinley.
"I thought it was important for the community to get those young kids back on the ice. Rural rinks are very important to the rural part of Prince Edward Island and this was something that happened that was unforeseen and I made it a priority to put it under my wing and make sure it got through as quick as it possibly could."
Rink officials said the total cost of buying and installing the new compressor is about $30,000.
The rink manager was pleased to hear the news of provincial funding.
She says the new compressor has arrived and the ice should be laid by Sunday.
Fundraising efforts will still be required to make up the rest of the money.
