Joe Grandjambe vividly remembers the bustling days at Fort Good Hope’s indoor rink when it was operational. Having been a longtime resident of the Northwest Territories community, he reminisces about the hockey tournaments that drew participants from across the region. Grandjambe emphasized the valuable lessons in teamwork, organization, and discipline that the sport instills in youth.
The closure of the rink nearly a decade ago had a profound negative impact on the community, according to Grandjambe. He expressed concern that the lack of recreational facilities has left the younger population with limited activities.
Fort Good Hope Chief Shawn Grandjambe revealed that the arena has remained abandoned following its closure due to a fire code violation necessitating costly repairs. He emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the facility and called upon the N.W.T. government to assist in the restoration efforts. Chief Grandjambe proposed not just a new rink but a comprehensive sportsplex, envisioning additional amenities like a food stand to enhance the community’s recreational offerings and potentially create more job opportunities.
Despite the presence of an outdoor rink, accessibility remains a challenge, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Chief Grandjambe stressed the importance of indoor sports facilities for the community’s youth.
In response to the funding situation, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) clarified that the community owns the rink and receives annual capital funding for maintenance. However, both Chief Shawn and Joe Grandjambe expressed that the current funding allocation is insufficient for the desired multiplex facility. They urged for increased financial support specifically designated for the proposed sports complex.