Active Communities to raise funds for twin rinks

Active Communities Alberta is looking to raise additional funds for their $6-million twin rink facility after receiving a substantial pledge from the provincial government in February.  

The facility is planned for construction on land behind Paul Kane High School as part of a partnership with St. Albert Public Schools. Active Communities held an official cheque ceremony Friday where around 30 attendees celebrated the $3.5 million in funds pledged from the province as part of its budget a few months ago. 

Matt Bachewich, president of Active Communities, said April 20 the non-profit has developed a “comprehensive fundraising plan” to provide additional opportunities for businesses and community members in St. Albert to help contribute additional funds. 

When asked for specifics about the plan, Bachewich gave an example of a potential future campaign Active Communities is considering, where Active Communities would sell inscribed bricks to be placed at the facility in commemoration of donors. 

“These types of activities … will leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Bachewich said. 

Active Communities is still in the process of determining exact timing for when fundraising activities will occur, Bachewich said, but he noted the non-profit expects to come forward with initiatives in the coming months.  

At this time, community donations to the organization remain at more than $500,000, Bachewich said. Active Communities announced the organization had raised about that amount in June of 2021.  

While Active Communities requires an additional $2 million for the project, the non-profit is currently in the process of completing two remaining conditions before St. Albert city council will consider chipping in up to $1.5 million in funding: a public engagement report and an independent financial review of the project's business case. 

Once Active Communities fulfills these conditions, council will have 60 days to consider the funding request. 

When asked what stage the report and review are currently in, Bachewich said Active Communities is “in the process” of satisfying the requirements. 

“I certainly look forward to continuing … with addressing the remaining requirements,” Bachewich said. 

Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale Nally and St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud attended the event on Friday, as well as Coun. Mike Killick. 

Nally told the crowd that though he is “first and foremost” a hockey dad, backing the Active Communities facility is about more than a sports surface. 

“This is about have a community gathering,” Nally said. “It’s about having a place where young people can come to participate in lifelong physical activity.”

Kim Armstrong, St. Albert Public School Board chair, said projects such as the Active Communities facility “energize and enrich the whole community.” 

“With this project, we'll be able to offer so many more opportunities for our students, and to all the youth of St. Albert,” Armstrong said. 

Krimsen Sumners, St. Albert Public Schools superintendent, said she “can’t wait to see [the project] come to fruition.”

“My hope is that it brings out the inner child in all of us,” Sumners said. 

Bachewich told the crowd the day would be one of celebration. 

“With a 35-year lease agreement for land, and $3.5 million from the province, and other contributions and funding from the community, we are well on our way to delivering this project,” Bachewich said.