The Elgar Petersen Arena is the only ice surface in Humboldt, but the city is asking whether a second rink is needed. (File photo/Ben Tompkins)

By Cam Lee

Humboldt ice

Local residents asked for opinion on second ice surface in Humboldt

Apr 10, 2024 | 3:46 PM

Residents in and around Humboldt have a chance to weigh in on the need for a second ice surface in the city – but time is a factor.

A stakeholder engagement survey on a second ice surface in Humboldt is slated to close April 11.

Director of Community and Leisure Services Michael Ulriksen told northeastNOW the demand for the use of their only ice surface – the Elgar Petersen Arena (EPA) – has grown significantly over the past few years. Administration took a report to council in October 2023, and council made a resolution to approve a stakeholder engagement process, and design of a second ice surface for the community.

“(Council) acknowledged that…there is a demand there, and it warrants (administration) moving a little bit further to solidify what that demand looks like and determine how to best move forward with developing a second ice surface for the community and trying to come up with some timelines around when that should happen.”

Henriksen said the survey is the initial step in a several-phase project. There have been preliminary discussions with some of the main user groups of the EPA before the October 2023 council appearance, but he said this is the first time the city has asked for public input and feedback on their arena use.

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“(We’re) trying to gauge how much of an impact having only the one ice surface is having on those in our community, and (it) will help us gain some background information on other activities they’re currently participating in as well, as we know that there’s demand growing in other areas,” explained Ulriksen.

When the survey is complete administration will compile the results, and Ulriksen said that will direct them into areas as to whether to move forward with plans for a second ice surface or to gather more information.

The city will reach out to all community organizations that are more directly involved should a second ice surface become a reality. Ulriksen said local businesses will also be consulted as any development will influence the traffic coming through town and spending. He said the city also wants to see whether businesses would support additional tax dollars going toward building a second surface.

Over 500 people in the Humboldt area have responded to the survey thus far.

Ulriksen said the city will carefully study the results from the survey to see whether the community has the appetite for construction of a new ice surface.

“Our focus right now is ‘do we have the support to go ahead with just a second sheet of ice that we can utilize,’” explained Ulriksen. He said the fundraising will largely dictate what a second surface would look like, in addition to what grants and funding might be available.

While having a second surface attached to the Uniplex (where the EPA is located) may make the most sense, Ulriksen said no decision has been made on a potential location for the project, should it proceed.

The city hopes to iron out some of those questions in the next four to six months.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK