Co-operators donates $10,000 towards new arena in P.E.I.

The Co-operators has contributed $10,000 towards a new arena that will continue the tradition of hockey nights in P.E.I.
In Tignish, P.E.I. residents are trying to raise $750,000 to rebuild an arena that is a centrepiece of the town. The Co-operators contribution went towards the town’s Centennial Arena Capital Campaign.
“Raising the money we need to build a brand new arena will not be easy, but its value to this community is not something you can put a price tag on,” said Clarence Frasier, member of the Capital Campaign Committee. “With the support of the people of Tignish, the government, and sponsors like The Co-operators we’ll make this happen.”
There is a possibility the campaign money may be matched by federal and provincial government funding, allowing for the construction of a new arena.
Owned by 31 Canadian co-operative organizations, The Co-operators provides insurance protection to more than 2 million Canadians and has assets exceeding $6 billion. Co-operators agent Louise Richard presented the cheque to the Capital Campaign.
“I know how important the rink is to Tignish,” Richard said. “We’re going to work together and do everything in our collective power to breathe new life into an old arena. I’m proud to be supporting the campaign, because I know how much it means to this community.”
From its humble pre-war beginnings as an outdoor rink, the arena has become an important part of local life, hosting hockey, figure skating, bingo, festivals and dances, notes a press release. A roof was first raised over the rink in 1967 and was last replaced in 1979.
“The aging roof will soon have to be replaced again, and work is needed to address safety issues, a cracked concrete ice pad, a lack of washrooms, and poor air circulation,” the release notes. “The Capital Campaign Committee’s goal is to break ground for the construction of a new arena next spring.”