Tyne Valley getting new NHL-size rink with government help

The community of Tyne Valley, P.E.I., is getting a new sports centre with $10.3 million in government funding announced Monday.

Tyne Valley, about 30 kilometres northwest of Summerside, lost its sports centre in a fire in late December.

Roy Newcomb, a member of the rink board that helped build the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre, described the loss as devastating.

"It took a piece right out of you," he said. "As you know, growing up with it, it was an experience." 

He said he is pleased and excited to see plans for a new centre are in the works. 

The federal, provincial and local governments are partnering to fund the $10.3 million project.

• Federal: $3.9 million.
• Provincial: $3.3 million.
• Municipal: $3.1 million.

Tyne Valley Mayor Jeff Noye said he has always been optimistic about building a new centre, but it wouldn't have been possible without funding from government. 

"There's no way we could do this without the provincial and feds. They've been fantastic to work with," he said. 

Noye said the majority of the money being contributed by Tyne Valley will be covered by insurance, but the remainder will have to be raised and he is aiming to have that portion by September.  

"We'll do it. I know we will. This community will pull together no matter what," said Noye.

Members of the Tyne Valley community had already been raising money for a new arena and had bid for the Kraft Hockeyville 2020 contest, to try and win a top prize of $250,000 to be put toward arena upgrades.

The contest has been delayed because of COVID-19.

The new arena will be an energy-efficient building, and will house an NHL-size ice rink and include five dressing rooms. Washrooms will be fully accessible and feature green fixtures.

The centre will also include a concession area, fitness centre, and multiple offices for community groups and event organization.

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