The Elk Valley Field House Society is asking for the City of Fernie’s support in converting the outdoor rink into a multi-use facility.
The outdoor rink is in a central location and already has parking and temporary flooring in place.
The society is proposing either a dome or fabric-covered structure or a steel structure.
A dome or fabric structure could potentially be installed by late winter and can be relocated to a future permanent facility location.
The society is requesting $500,000 from the city and help with advocating for grant funding.
They are also asking council to agree in principle to the proposal to convert and operate the outdoor rink, work out a land use agreement and direct staff to work on a funding agreement.
The outdoor rink land was previously a temporary solution to the closure of the Fernie Memorial Arena.
“There was an interim solution for the arena and now we’re looking at an interim solution for the community centre and it’s on the same piece of land,” said Mayor Nic Milligan.
“That has a nice sort of resonance for me. My preference would be to enact all of these next steps.”
Council has directed city staff to prepare a report on the proposal for the Sept. 24 council meeting.
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