Challenge
Sarnia Township was awarded a grant of approximately $680,000 from the Provincial Government to put toward twinning the ice surface at Clearwater Arena. Because the township could not come up with the $275,000 balance that was needed, the grant would have to be returned and Clearwater Arena would not get its second rink.
The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation decided to donate $275,000 to create the second ice surface. To the Alix’s this project was personal. Their sons had grown up playing hockey at Clearwater Arena, so they knew it well.
They’d heard from others in the community that demand was now so great for rink time that many young children were having to practice at times as early as 4:00 a.m., which affected their school day and their parents’ work day as well.
The donation by the Alix’s allowed the arena to create what’s now known as the Red Rink and to upgrade Sarnia’s rink facilities for hockey or lacrosse and ball hockey. All work was completed in 1989.
Today the Clearwater Arena has two rinks that service over 100 teams year-round. Many area youths would not have been able to play hockey without the second rink. Additionally, the arena has been updated and provides a much more attractive and safe place for players and spectators alike.
Sarnia
1400 Wellington Street Sarnia, ON N7S 5R5
http://www.sarnia.ca/things-to-do/facilities/arenas/clearwater-arena
