City of Prince Rupert hears call from local youth for reopening of Arena

Parker Danroth provided City Council with the view from some of
Prince Rupert's youth on Monday evening, asking that the
City reopen the Arena complex for use

Prince Rupert's City Councillors gained some insight into the frustrations of COVID from the vantage point of the city's young citizens, that as a young Rupertite asked for some time at Monday's Council session to seek out some guidance on when the Jim Ciccone Arena would reopen for use.

Parker Danforth provided the view from the youth of the city on Monday, outlining for Council members that with recreation facilities remaining closed since March owing to COVID concerns,  there was little in the way of physical activity available for them in the city.

It's been over five months since the Arena at the Jim Ciccone
Civic Centre last saw some activity on the ice

Appearing during the Committee of the Whole, Mr. Danroth delivered a presentation reflecting the concerns that many youth have about available options; noting that some sports have started their planning and the youth that use the arena would like to see a return soon as they are being left behind.

He observed how the Arena offers good opportunities for social distancing and how reopening facilities will be good for the mental health of youngsters.

Council members received his presentation with much enthusiasm, praising him for coming forward, though there was no indication on Monday as to when further word on the status of the Arena operations would be outlined for the community.

Last Week the City announced that the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre would be resuming its operations in September, in early August the fitness facility at the Aquatic Centre was reopened to the public with a number of COVID related measures in place.

As we outlined earlier this month, many communities across Northwest BC have started to roll out their recreation reopening plans

You can review the presentation to Council from the City's Video Archive starting at the 54 minute mark.

For more notes of interest on Monday's Council session see our Council Timeline Feature and Council Session archive.

A wider overview of past Council Discussion themes is available here.