News

SAVE OUR RINK - WE NEED YOUR VOICE

posted Jul 9, 2021, 10:58 AM

Dear Silver Blades families,

The City of Toronto is developing a Curling Strategy to provide a facility in the West End to meet the demand of curlers who have been displaced by the closure of private curling rinks in Etobicoke (https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/parks-facility-plans-strategies/curling-strategy).

Silver Blades was recently invited to a stakeholder meeting where we learned that the city is planning to potentially identify a single pad arena to accommodate curling either fully or in a shared use model.

Our takeaway from the meeting was that Central Arena could be a strong contender to repurpose for curling, which would mean that we would get relocated to another undisclosed rink at some point in the future. We have also had discussions with other hockey associations in the area, and they are in agreement that we need to unite to fight for our kids’ rinks.

There is a virtual public meeting to introduce the Curling Strategy to the public, share work to date, introduce and gather feedback on draft principles for possible arena conversion or shared use, answer questions of clarification and share next steps. Please register and let your voice be heard.

Meeting Details: Curling Strategy Virtual Public Meeting

July 15, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register for, or join the meeting: https://toronto.webex.com/toronto/onstage/g.php?MTID=eea4814d7ed9edd78680ddd23ded93d89

Password: Curl23

OR join by calling 1-416-915-6530 and using Event number/Access Code 177 533 8229

Given that these plans are moving quickly we need to take action now and try to at least get the focus off of Central Arena! Please consider joining our sub-committee. In addition to attending the public meeting, we are looking for volunteers who may also be connected to other west end hockey clubs or other amateur/youth sports leagues. Also, if you have any experience lobbying or working with the City of Toronto or the local councilors/politicians we need you!

Please email board@silverblades.ca if you would be willing to join the “Save Our Rink” committee or have any questions. We plan to get started immediately. This will be a great opportunity to do some critical work with the club and complete your volunteer hours away from the cold rink.

It’s been a difficult 18 months for the kids, let’s fight to get them back to the sports they love, in the community they want to play in.

Thanks

Silver Blades Skating Club