The Sackville Community Arena announced on their Facebook page that there will be no ice this year, citing a decision by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) to withhold financial support. In a post earlier today, the arena’s management expressed their disappointment and pointed to a perceived lack of support from HRM as the reason behind this decision. The Facebook post reads: “HRM has decided that they can only afford to support all of HRM, except Sackville. They have decided Sackville tax dollars should be spent in the rest of HRM, but not Sackville.”
However, HRM has countered this claim, stating that the decision to not install ice at the Sackville Arena was made solely by the Lake District Recreation Association (LDRA), the independent non-profit organization that owns and operates the arena. Paul Russell, HRM Councillor for Lower Sackville, issued a press release expressing surprise at the LDRA’s decision and reaffirming HRM’s commitment to supporting the organization.
“The decision to not put ice in the Arena was a decision entirely made by the LDRA. The statement that they issued has come as a surprise,” said Russell. “HRM has been working with the LDRA in order to provide some additional funding for the organization. We do hope that the LDRA will reconsider their decision.”
As the community waits for further developments, many are left wondering about the future of recreational activities in Sackville. Both parties have expressed a desire to find a solution, but the path forward remains uncertain.
HRM Release:
Response to Sackville Community Arena Ice Decision
The Lake District Recreation Association (LDRA) is an independent non-profit organization that owns and operates the Sackville Arena.
The LDRA has been a strong community partner for decades. It was responsible for constructing the Sackville Sports Stadium and the Metropolitan Field, both of which are now owned and operated by HRM.
HRM appreciates the work that the LDRA has done and continues to do to help provide recreation opportunities for Lower Sackville and the surrounding area. As a former member of the LDRA board, I also have a special appreciation for the work that the LDRA does and for the challenges that they face.
Earlier today, the LDRA issued a statement that they would not be putting ice in the Sackville Arena. The decision to not put ice in the Arena was a decision entirely made by the LDRA. The statement that they issued has come as a surprise.
HRM has been working with the LDRA in order to provide some additional funding for the organization. HRM is continuing to work towards the additional funding, even though the LDRA has issued their statement today.
We do hope that the LDRA will reconsider their decision.
Paul Russell
Councillor – Lower Sackville / District 15