“What better way for the Meadow Lake Co-op to celebrate its 80th anniversary than to open the Co-op Centre,” Strome said. The Co-op Centre, which will replace the former Meadow Lake and District Arena, will include a 1,300-seat skating/hockey arena, a field house, a permanent walking/ running track, an events centre to replace the existing Meadow Lake Civic Centre and more.
“On behalf of the City of Meadow Lake, it is my privilege to officially launch our public fundraising campaign aimed at securing $6 million for Meadow Lake’s new Recreation and Civic Centre,” stated mayor Merlin Seymour. “Today, we gather to celebrate generosity and vision as we launch this campaign and announce an extraordinary lead gift (the Co-op’s donation) that will help propel us toward our goal. This centre, carefully designed to promote wellness and community, will now stand as a symbol of our shared determination. We would also like to extend our continued gratitude to our existing funding partners who made this project possible. Thank you to the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan for the unwavering commitment to the project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and to the RM of Meadow Lake for its commitment to supporting the construction of a field house in our new facility. Also, I’d like to thank those who have already approached the city with interest in supporting this project including our special guest today (Co-op), and a pre-emptive thank you to those who will contribute during the campaign whether through donations, volunteering or simply spreading the word. Your involvement matters to the future of our new facility.”
Meanwhile, the fundraising committee is being led by co-chairs Courtney Hildebrand, Chris MacFarlane, Darryl Worms and Linda Harman. “Like everyone, we went through a period of mourning when our arena burned down,” Harman said. “It was the heart of our community and we were asking ourselves how we could move forward. When we saw the plans for the new facility and realized it would also include a field house, we were so excited for the possibilities for Meadow Lake. This will be a year-round, accessible facility that will host all of our past activities such as skating, but also bring new opportunities for physical activity that will meet the needs of all ages and abilities… This facility will be a meeting place for our community… I would like to thank all our volunteers for your commitment to the arena and field house project. I hope more people will volunteer and donate as we work toward competing this facility.”
The Co-op Centre is the largest community facility ever built in Meadow Lake and will serve a regional population of approximately 8,500 people. With the Meadow Lake Co-op’s contribution serving as a rallying point, the ongoing fundraising campaign for the Co-op Centre is an opportunity for community members to come together and make a lasting impact. “Together, we can build a brighter, more resilient community for generations to come,” the city’s news release concludes.
For more information on the project visit www.yourmeadowlake.ca.