Life is about to get a whole lot brighter for skaters at Pearkes arena.
The federal government and Saanich have committed $56,000 each toward a $112,000 lighting upgrade to the Gold and Green ice rinks, and lobby of Pearkes Recreation Centre.
B次元官网网址淭he feedback weB次元官网网址檝e received over the years has been consistent, B次元官网网址榞ood ice but poor light,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� said Kelli-Ann Armstrong, manager of Saanich recreation services.
The energy-efficient lighting system will include motion sensors. The upgrade is the latest greening of Pearkes, which recently acquired an electric Zamboni.
The federal portion comes from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, which approved SaanichB次元官网网址檚 application. Saanich performed an assessment of most of its facilities and found the biggest B次元官网网址渂ang for the buckB次元官网网址� would be the lights of Pearkes.
B次元官网网址淏y improving facilities such as this we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians,B次元官网网址� Lynne Yelich, minister of state for western economic diversification said at the funding announcement at Pearkes on Wednesday.
The Saanich Braves junior B hockey team, which has played under the B次元官网网址渙ld schoolB次元官网网址� lighting of Pearkes for 45 years, stands to benefit as much as any of the many user groups, as it draws a regular crowd of 100 to 300 fans.
B次元官网网址淲e are hoping to bring the Cyclone Taylor Cup (B.C. junior B championship) to Saanich for 2016 and this will help us tremendously,B次元官网网址� said Braves GM and co-owner Norm Kelly.
ItB次元官网网址檚 safe to say the Saanich Tigers minor lacrosse association will also appreciate added lighting, as the summer sport plays without the added reflection of an ice surface.
B次元官网网址淭he new lighting is going to change the entire complexion of the rink. ItB次元官网网址檚 going to improve not only the on-ice experience (for skaters) but for fans attending our games and other events,B次元官网网址� Kelly said.
Saanich plans to begin the project in January 2013 and finish by March.
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