Cote First Nation breaks ground on $15 million community-funded rink
Cote First Nation held a sod turning ceremony at the future site of a new, community funded rink.
The $15 million structure will include an arena, along with a gym, weight room and walking track.
"It's been a long time coming,” said Jared Stevenson, the Cote Rec Board-affiliated councillor. “So many people are proud. We’re a hockey community. We've always been known for hockey."
The community is the home of Olympic hockey trailblazer Bridgette Lacquette.
Yorkton Tribal Council is hoping this new rink can help with the area's drug addiction issue.
“It’s so prevalent in our three northern first nations of the Yorkton Tribal Council. There's a huge epidemic when it comes to drug overdoses and drugs and, it's just if the kids get into drugs, there is no [opportunity]. That opportunity is gone, right out the window,” said Tribal Chief-elect Isabel O’Soup.
The new facility will replace Cote’s aging rink, which was original built 50 years ago, in 1972. The arena is in need of repairs, but Cote Chief George Cote said much of the parts aren’t manufactured anymore.
“The kids are pretty excited. They’re wondering when is it going to be finished … it builds up their morale and they want to play more hockey,” said Cote.
The facility is 100 per cent community funded, and will be an investment in the future of the indigenous community.
“I can't wait to see it built. You know, it's exciting for not only myself, but the kids, the parents, the elders, just everybody in the community — even the surrounding communities are excited for us,” Stevenson said.
The new arena and multi-purpose facility is expected to open in April 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.