The new ice surface at the myFM Centre in Ma-te-Way Park is officially open and ready for use.
The Icepickers, Community Living Renfrew County South’s Sledge program, are honoured to be the first group to be able to test out the new ice. Members of Renfrew Town Council joined the Icepickers and staff with Community Living Renfrew County South for a ceremonial skate on Thursday, January 18th, 2024.
Allan Yull; a former employee and current volunteer of Community Living Renfrew County South and his outreach group attended various committee and town meetings to promote the idea of making the new ice pad accessible including sledging.
“The Icepickers appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into making the dream of having an accessible ice pad in our community a reality.”
Councillor Jason Legris, Chair of the Ma-te-Way Expansion Working Group, expressed his excitement as the project hits a significant milestone.
“The community has been waiting a long time for this moment and we are finally ready to open the new ice pad. This state-of-the-art facility with accessibility enhancements will be used by people of all ages, skills, and mobility levels.”
Some of the adaptations to the new arena include leveling of the ice surface to the benches and putting Plexiglass in front of the players benches so those sledging can see through the boards and onto the ice. There is also a wheelchair friendly viewing area for the new ice surface.
First Opportunity for Residents to Try the New Ice Pad
The first public skate on the new ice pad is scheduled for Saturday, January 20th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free to attend. This weekend will also mark the first hockey tournament in Renfrew that uses both ice surfaces.
Upcoming Opportunities to Try Sledging
As part of the annual Frew Fest Winter Carnival, Community Living Renfrew County South will be able to offer an opportunity for anyone of all ages and abilities to experience sledging on February 19th, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. with minimum equipment required. On March 14th , 2024, the Icepickers will be celebrating 20 years of sledging in Renfrew along with Community Living Renfrew County South’s 60th anniversary! A friendly game of sledging will be hosted at 11:00 a.m. followed by free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Anyone interested in trying sledging and being part of the game is asked to arrive by 10:15 a.m. with minimum equipment required.
Ma-te-Way Expansion Project Updates
The Town of Renfrew is excited to be able to open the new ice pad to user groups early in 2024. The expansion project is nearing the final stages. Tenants including 96.1 myFM, Renfrew Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Centre, Ultimate Fitness and Child’s Paradise Day Care will begin occupying their new spaces shortly. The walking track, gymnasium and fitness centre, dance studio and multipurpose rooms will be the next facilities to open to the public. Part of the second phase of the expansion project will see the Bonnechere Algonquin Indigenous Cultural Centre open later in 2024.
