The city has announced it will establish an outdoor ice rink and install a new floating dock to be used during a two-day hockey festival in February when Rogers Hometown Hockey rolls into town.
“When big events like the Rogers Hometown Hockey tour come to Nanaimo, we want to create a legacy residents can use for years to come,” said Richard Harding, director of parks and recreation for Nanaimo. “An outdoor ice rink is something unique that can bring the community together in a healthy and fun way.”
Nanaimo is one of 24 communities across Canada included on the Rogers Hometown Hockey tour, which is hosted by Ron MacLean.
It arrives in Nanaimo along with a two-day festival Feb. 25.
The city has committed $122,750 for community events around the festival, as well as $200,000 for the rental of an outdoor ice rink and $271,000 to purchase of a floating dock.
The outdoor ice rink will be located in Maffeo Sutton Park. It is expected to be open Feb. 17 until Feb. 26. The fee for the rink includes a removable and re-usable 3,200 square foot ice mat.
The floating docks will be temporarily placed in Swy-A-Lana lagoon for activities surrounding the festival. After the festival, the docks will be permanently placed in Brechin Boat Ramp and rowing dock, Diver Lake Park and Colliery Dam Park.
There are several events being planned by the festival organizing committee including a fireworks display at Maffeo Sutton Park following a nationally broadcast NHL game Feb. 26 between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.
