SMCCA
ORIGINS OF THE SMCCA, as written below in 2019: Welcome to the Stellarton Memorial Rink – Citizens Group facebook page. We are a 100% volunteer group of community citizens interested in assisting the Town of Stellarton by providing additional and valuable information useful in making its decision as to whether or not to permanently close the Stellarton Memorial Rink. Our objective is not to press the Town into incurring excessive costs, but rather to learn if an economically feasible path exists to holding onto this unique and historically significant community asset that continues to contribute much to the fabric of Stellarton and surrounding county. We have until February 2020 to share what we’ve learned. On January 23rd (2019), the Town hosted two public information sessions entitled “Stellarton Memorial Rink The State of Affairs” where we learned of its intention to cease operations and likely decide to permanently close the rink following deliberation at the next town council meeting scheduled for February 11th (2019). The Town’s position was presented and primarily based on an Aging Building Audit report prepared for the Town by SNC Lavalin in October of 2018. A link to the report is included on this page. Following the information sessions on January 23rd, individual discussions expressing concern over the potential permanent closure lead to group discussions, which developed into regular meetings and efforts by a core group committed to seeking a better understanding of the issues facing the facility. Group participation continues to include parents, local trades people, business owners, minor hockey coaches, and experienced educators – to name a few. All discussions and efforts are in the spirit of collaboration with the primary focus on exploring ways and means available to assist the Town in addressing the issues facing the facility. It is our understanding that the Town deferred final deliberation from February 11th to March 11th (2019) as a result of learning that some level of public interest in the matter existed and was brought to the attention of Council. The Citizens Group recognised immediately that, to justify any effort going forward, it first had to gauge the level of public interest on the matter in a most efficient manner in light of the short window of time available before the Town Council meeting in March. On February 22nd (2019) a petition was made available to the public for signatures. Petition signatures in support of the Group totalled 1,246 (457 Stellarton, 364 surrounding Pictou County, 363 beyond Pictou County, 62 town not specified). A copy of the petition is included on this page. On March 11th (2019) a spokesperson for the Citizens Group presented to Town Council our position, the results of the petition, and requested more time to continue our endeavours to assist in the matter on behalf of all concerned citizens. The Town agreed to being open to working with the Citizens Group, keeping the building standing for the time being, and reviewing the findings of the Citizens Group in February of 2020. A link to the minutes of the March 11th 2019 Town Council meeting is included on this page. The Citizens Group continues busily as the February deadline approaches. We have created this page to help keep you aware of the project and our progress to date. Please visit often and feel free to post contributing comments or photos. We welcome your thoughts and memories. Contact us if you have questions or wish to contribute to the effort. Go Royals!
2023 UPDATE: The Stellarton Memorial Rink has been an integral part of the sporting and recreational heritage of the town of Stellarton since 1947. As a living memorial to over 100 fallen war heroes, the facility has been a cornerstone for hockey both in the town and surrounding areas. In 2019, after analysis of the cost of addressing years of deferred maintenance, the Town of Stellarton determined that it was not prepared to continue operating the facility as a rink. A citizens’ committee was formed to gauge community interest and to review the repairs identified. Public meetings were held with over a hundred citizens attending and 50 volunteers putting their names forward to get involved. An extensive study was undertaken involving engineers, trades people and local contractors to evaluate the building’s viability and the economic feasibility of moving forward to bring the facility back into community service. With a plan to proceed and the formation of an incorporated society, the Town of Stellarton was pleased to transfer ownership to the group to move forward and serve its citizens. As of September 2020, the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association (SMCCA) has taken possession of the property with the mandate to repurpose the facility for wider use (i.e., non rink) and community access. The group has developed a measured multi-year phased approach for bringing the building back to the focal point of the community as an affordable, efficient and all-inclusive multi-functioning indoor community centre.