St. Walburg Arena is receiving $42,170 in upgrade funding under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
An official announcement was made Saturday by MP Gerry Ritz.
"Our government remains committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term economic prosperity in our communities," said Ritz. "By improving facilities such as St. Walburg's arena, we are boosting the local economy and making sure that this facility is enjoyed by the community for years to come."
The funding will go towards energy upgrades to the arena, which will include higher efficiency lighting and the installation of new reflective foil insulation to the ceiling over the ice surface. The benefit of this insulation is twofold: it reflects light back to the ice, making the arena brighter, and reduces heat fluctuations between the ceiling and the ice surface. Maintaining more consistent temperatures will create a harder, faster surface for skaters and significantly reduce cooling costs, thereby reducing operating expenses.
The arena's out-dated sound system will also be replaced as part of this project.
"We are very pleased with the initiative to upgrade the arena facility," said St. Walburg Mayor Tony Leeson. "We support all initiatives that will increase the efficiency and extend the life of community facilities and programs for our residents".
The initiative began with the arena board, which is part of the St. Walburg and District Recreation Board.
"It is nice to see the Government of Canada help out with small town community facilities such as the St. Walburg Arena," said recreation board president Glenn Hemmelgarn.
"Being in a small town, the challenge is ever increasing to not only keep these facilities running by covering the normal operating costs but to also be able to keep up with the capital expenditures that are required as well. This money will go a long way in helping keep this facility running in a cost efficient manner as well as making it a better facility to enjoy the activities that take place in it."
