COVID restrictions hurting local arenas

Local community rinks are experiencing substantial financial shortfalls this winter because of COVID-19 restrictions, says District 10 Coun. Randy Palmer.

He said the Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena has lost $32,000 since opening in the fall because public health restrictions have caused a loss in rental income.

“We run from the fall and spring and usually come out breaking, even so, this will put us behind,” he said. “It is not only our rink.  We are part of Recreation Facilities of Nova Scotia, and everyone is hurting.”

He said the Thorburn arena did receive $5000 from the provincial government through COVID funding which helped its financial issues, but as the restrictions continued, more revenue was lost.

“I wanted to let you know how COVID has been affecting us,” he said. “The last two months have been really hard on us and hopefully government comes out with more money. It is hard to pay the bills. Our expenses have gone down but you still have to heat the hot water, pay the power and employees.”