The Co-op Centre – the new recreation facility and events centre currently under construction on the city’s east side – is certainly proving to be an innovative addition to the community of Meadow Lake. Friday (April 26), the city announced another major financial contribution to the project’s Co-op Community Builder Campaign during a special gathering held at Kingdom Golf in downtown Meadow Lake.
Innovation Federal Credit Union has committed $1 million toward the project, marking a significant step forward when it comes to reaching the overall fundraising goal of $6 million. Prior to last week’s announcement, $3,500,000 had already been raised through a $3 million donation from the Meadow Lake Co-op as well as $500,000 from other sources. “We are honoured to partner with the City of Meadow Lake and our cooperative partner, Meadow Lake Co-op, in supporting this remarkable campaign,” stated Dan Johnson, chief executive officer at Innovation Federal Credit Union. “We have a long, proud history in Meadow Lake, and we hope this investment further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to helping our northern communities thrive.” Innovation Federal Credit Union’s donation starts a brand-new matching contribution where the organization will match new community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million in order to inspire community members to join in the endeavour regardless of the size of donation. Innovation’s commitment also means the field house component within the Co-op Centre will be officially named InnovationPlex, underscoring Innovation Federal Credit Union’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Meadow Lake and surrounding regions. “The naming of InnovationPlex within the Co-op Centre reflects a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive Meadow Lake,” stated Meadow Lake mayor Merlin Seymour said.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to Innovation Federal Credit Union for its transformative contribution and unwavering commitment to our community’s wellbeing… The commitment from the local business community as well as individuals has been overwhelming so far, and this goes to show what a great community we live in.” Emcee for last week’s announcement was the city’s parks and recreation manager Regan Beck.
“It was in 2021 when we had the unfortunate day when our (previous) arena burned down,” Beck noted. “I don’t think it over-stretches it to say that was a tragic day in Meadow Lake. That arena meant so much to this community and it still does. We still have a place in our heart for that building, but, from there, we looked immediately to the need to rebuild the arena, to make it better and to make it inclusive to everyone.”
Originally, the project was to include an arena, field house, a new city hall, new events centre and a pleasure rink. While plans did change as time went on and the overall budget was realized, contributions through grant money, donations and from the RM of Meadow Lake have evolved things to the point where the only facet now missing from the original concept is the pleasure rink. “It’s very exciting to have announcements like we have today to make this work,” Beck added. “It’s going to be a beautiful facility – there’s no other way to describe it.”
Also in attendance Friday were Chris MacFarlane and Courtney Hildebrand, two of the four fundraising campaign cochairs for the new facility. “I want to take a minute to talk about how inspired I was when I saw the last major gift announcement (from the Meadow Lake Co-op),” Hildebrand said. “Since then, people have been talking and they are so pleased with the progress on the facility, but also by how our little community is rising to the challenge of raising more than $6 million. We’ve seen individuals like Eve Danilkewich (who donated $100,000) make significant contributions and there are many more we are waiting to announce. Businesses and individuals in this community are stepping up in an outstanding way.”
Hildebrand also took part in a community information night regarding the new arena held April 23 (see related story on Page 3). “The energy in the room was positive with people asking questions about the progress and how they can be involved,” she said. “The highlight for me was a tour of the facility… To actually step foot in the building, the magnitude of the project changes. It doesn’t take long to drive by the building in my car, but to walk those steps is fairly impressive.”
In addition to Johnson, also representing Innovation Federal Credit Union was the board’s vice-president Michelle Wilde. “As a very proud resident of the Meadow Lake area as well as Innovation Federal Credit Union’s board vicepresident, it gives me the most pleasure to announce Innovation’s $1 million commitment to the new arena,” Wilde said. “This year-round facility will be accessible and will give our community a place to come together, to play, to thrive, to cheer and to celebrate our community… I would also like to thank every individual and business in the area led by our partner and friend, Meadow Lake Co-op, for their generous donations to date. This is truly a group effort and it will benefit Meadow Lake and area for years to come.”
Meadow Lake Co-op general manager Caralee Strome also addressed the small crowd in attendance. “It’s my pleasure to welcome Innovation Federal Credit Union as being a partner and a pillar in our community,” Strome said. “Thank you, and I look forward to us working together.” According to a City of Meadow Lake news release, the Co-op Centre “will stand as a testament to the collective community spirit of Meadow Lake, providing a state-of-the-art venue for recreational, cultural, and competitive sport activities. With an expansive arena, versatile field house, and event centre, this facility will serve as a cornerstone of community life for generations to come.” “This is a very exciting project, and that excitement is building,” Beck added. “Announcements like today go a long way in helping us to meet our goal.”