Canora Leisure Services has made the transition into winter activities for the 2019/20 season.
Just in time for the skating season, the Canora Civic Centre saw its ice lighting retrofitted to LED, said Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services, Town of Canora.
“The change not only results in better arena lighting, but we now have the ability to turn the lights on and off without warm up or cool down time. The change will cut operating costs to approximately one third compared to previous years,” said Herriges. “That’s big savings over a six-month period. Crossroads Credit Union and Canora Ag Society contributed $5,000 and $2,500 respectively, towards the completion of this project.”
Also at the skating rink, the kitchen was remodelled by extending the square footage and bringing the mechanical system back up to code.
“The kitchen was terribly out dated and needed the improvement,” said Herriges. “This year will be a nice test for the new kitchen as we have many tournaments and events booked this winter including the S.J.H.L game coming up on November 30 when the Yorkton Terriers host the Kindersley Klippers. Tickets for the event are available at the Town office, Community Insurance and Companion Animal Hospital.”
For the avid curling fans around the region, a new feature has been installed at the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre to enhance the viewing experience of spectators.
“The Canora Curling Club had house cameras positioned for each sheet so spectators can watch the game much like they can on TV with a straight down view of the house,” reported Herriges. “TV screens were installed upstairs and downstairs so fans with physical limitations can enjoy watching the strategy. The Club does not charge for spectators so I would encourage checking the curling schedules on Canora.com so you can catch live game action this winter.”
Afternoon curling is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, youth curling is on Wednesday evenings and evening rec league play is on Thursdays.
“Super League action will return this year on specific Tuesday nights. Additionally, the Club runs seven bonspiels annually,” said Herriges. “You can register online for league play or bonspiels at Canora.com.”
With the Winter Lights Festival coming up soon, Leisure Services is bringing back the Family Skate and Bingo Night (sponsored by Crossroads Credit Union) on December 3 and will be introducing another family Christmas movie at Rainbow Hall on December 6. The feature movie will be Klaus. Admission and concession are entirely free (sponsored by Gateway Co-op).
“Bring the family because anyone under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian,” encouraged Herriges. “Last year’s movie was great and we are hoping that trend continues.”
Before the winter season arrived, Herriges said there were some important projects completed inside and outside Canora’s parks and facilities.
In September, Ball Diamond No. 4 underwent improvements which included the construction of an infield sand base that was top dressed with shale.
“This soil composition will pretty much eliminate rainouts and provide a playing surface that will not harden,” said Herriges. “The project was completed with the aid of the Canora Ag Society which contributed $2,500. Ideally over time, all four ball diamonds will undergo this type of work.”
The old Campground signs which deteriorated over the years were replaced with aluminum signs with new graphics and information. New campsite posts were installed, along with improvements to the road in front of them.
Herriges said the Canora swimming pool underwent a much needed upgrade.
“It involved a complete sandblasting and epoxy coating of the two basins, paddling pool and the main basin of the swimming pool,” he said. “The primary objective was to eliminate the annual painting of the basins and endless paint flakes that were ending up in the pool lines, cartridges, and strainers. Keeping the water lines clean will enhance water flow and ultimately extend the life of the cartridges and boiler. Other added benefits to having the concrete coated are better overall visual appearance and improved pool chemistry.”
Further details are available at the leisure services office regarding any updates on winter activities and program information.
The Town offers free public skating and shinny throughout the winter so participants are encouraged to please check out live updated schedules at Canora.com
