Wanted: ice making machine for Kugluktuk

Kugluktuk’s ice rink was built five years ago, and pipes were laid under the arena for an ice-making machine, but the hamlet hasn’t been able afford one.

Now, the pipes act as a heat conductor, drawing warmth from other parts of the building, and the ice, Kugluktuk MLA Joe Allen Evyagotailak told the legislature, is more like slush.

Evyagotailuk said an ice making machine for the rink would cost $320,000 — and he’s hoping mining companies in the Kitikmeot will make sizeable donations towards its purchase. After the legislature’s sitting, he plans to travel by snowmobile from Yellowknife to Kugluktuk, stopping off at mine sites along the way.

“I hope those community-minded corporations will assist me in promoting support in my communities through donations towards getting artificial ice in our arena.”