BIMH receives large grant from Alberta government

Commentator/Courier Photo submitted by Kayla Odowichuk Rural Support: MLA Grant Hunter presents a cheque to members of the Bow Island Community. Pictured left to right: Dustin Odowichuk - Bow Island Minor Hockey Treasurer, Clayton Hodgson - Bow Island Minor Hockey Director, Kayla Odowichuk - Bow Island Minor Hockey Secretary, Grant Hunter, Kim Mitchell - Town of Bow Island Councillor, Jeremy Mitchell - Bow Island Minor Hockey President, Gordon Reynolds - Town of Bow Island Mayor.

By Brylan Span
Commentator/Courier

Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter attended the Bow Island Servus Community Arena Saturday, February 10 and presented Bow Island Minor Hockey (BIMH) with exactly what they were looking for.

Hunter presented a cheque for a grant from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women for $456,785, to a group which included BIMH president Jeremy Mitchell, BIMH director Clayton Hodgson, BIMH secretary Kayla Odowichuk, BIMH treasurer Dustin Odowichuk, Town of Bow Island Councillor Kim Mitchell, and Bow Island Mayor Gordon Reynolds.

Those receiving the grant were thankful for the support from Hunter and the Alberta Government. Secretary Odowichuk said “Grant knows that small rural towns matter, and he took the time on the weekend to come out and see us. We as a community appreciate that. Grant and the government’s support to keep recreational amenities in place helps keep our community and its spirit alive and well. Having this grant of funds come through helps our community to achieve our goals.”

These funds will be put toward a new ice plant for the arena, while also helping to upgrade the electrical service to the building. With the help of the grant, Secretary Odowichuk says that all costs should now be covered. “Based on quotes we’ve received, the grant, donations, Bow Island Minor Hockey contribution, and municipal commitment should cover all expenses involved.”

While a new ice plant and an improved electrical service will help with keeping the arena in good shape, Odowichuk and BIMH know that there are other repairs and upgrades that are needed in the near future. Odowichuk said that BIMH is “weighing the option of continuing to repair our current facility versus building a new one. We’re ensuring the ice plant is designed to be easily relocated so that our investment can stay with us for at least a few decades.

Secretary Odowichuk was grateful that “Bow Island Minor Hockey worked alongside some amazing people, who helped guide and assist us in the grant writing process. This grant would not have been possible without the group effort to make sure we understood what we are facing in regard to the current ice plant and overall facility constraints and concerns.

Odowichuk also added “Bow Island Minor Hockey works towards the vision; to develop life skills through sport for today, tomorrow and the future. Knowing that so many kids, families and community members will be positively impacted is a great accomplishment for our community and association.”

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