The Elsipogtog First Nation is waiting for funding from the provincial government to pay for new equipment at its arena. (Google)
Hockey families in central Kent County are calling on the provincial government to cover a series of unpaid bills so their children can get back on the ice at the Elsipogtog Arena.
Hockey season started six weeks ago but the arena, which is located on the Elsipogtog First Nation, cannot make ice because of problems that started last season.
The arena, which was constructed in the late 1970s, was having problems because of an ammonia leak in the condenser.
DJ Joseph, the band manager, said the plan was to repair the condenser because it was too expensive to replace.
However, Joseph said a person at the provincial government’s Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat said that money would be found for the project so the band should have the unit replaced.
Joseph said the work started in June and everything went according to plan until late summer.
“By the time August hit, we were already in election mode and I was informed that nothing would move until October, so we’ve sat idle since,” he said.
Joseph said the provincial government has committed to finding money but he hasn’t been told when the cheque will come.
The Elsipogtog First Nation has already paid one invoice for $116,000, but there are three other invoices that are unpaid.
Joseph said there is a $139,000 invoice, one for $164,000 and another that will likely approach $100,000, which still hasn’t been received.
Joseph said the contractor won`t turn the condenser on, until the bills are paid, which is leaving local hockey players with few options when it comes to finding ice time.
Arena closure is ‘sad’
Jean-Marc Arsenault, the president of the Kent Centre Minor Hockey Association, said families are having to drive further and frustration is starting to set in because of the arena ordeal.
“It’s sad because, I mean, it’s reflecting on the performance of our association,” he said.
“Also, you’re looking at a bunch of kids that are playing games without practising.”
Arsenault said the lack of ice time is affecting more than 230 players in Kent County.
Instead of playing and practising in Elsipogtog, players are trying to find ice time in the nearby communities of Bouctouche and Rogersville.
