A grand opening for Resolute Bay’s new arena

Resolute Bay’s new arena will be an ice rink during winter months. Its concrete floor will be converted to use for sports and community events during the summer months. (PHOTO BY RON ELLIOTT)

From left, Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak, Resolute Bay mayor Tabitha Mullin and the community’s former mayor, Ludy Pudluk, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the community’s new arena Oct. 29. (PHOTO BY RON ELLIOTT)

It’s still without ice, but Resolute Bay residents won’t waste any time getting into their new arena.

The new building was filled with local youth using its concrete floor as a soccer pitch last weekend, while residents celebrated the opening of the long-awaited facility.

Lorne Kusugak, the minister of Community and Government Services and Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott each visited the High Arctic community Oct. 29 for the grand opening of the arena.

MLAs approved $7.8 million to construct it as part of the GN’s 2009 capital budget.

The Resolute Bay arena stands as an example of the new designs and technology that Nunavut is using in the construction of new arenas, Elliott said.

“It has a concrete floor and a thermal siphon technology so that the ice will stay frozen longer, providing a longer playing season,” Elliott said. “As well, with the concrete floor, the building can be used in the summer months for soccer, lacrosse and community cultural events.”

Thermal siphon compressors were installed outside the arena to pull cold air in.

Kusugak said the busy arena looks as if it will be put to good use.

“I’ve been to many arenas and they did a really nice job on this one,” he said. “It’s ready for ice, and the bleachers are spotless. Even without ice, you could see the multi-use [potential] of it.”

The Resolute Bay hamlet council plans to host a contest for residents to submit their choice of name for the new building.