In 2009, Village of Ashcroft received a $30,000 grant from Northern Development through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program towards this $90,000 project. This has been a funding partnership of Village of Ashcroft, Northern Development, and Recreation Infrastructure Canada
2012 – In the winter months, the Drylands Arena is Ashcroft’s indoor ice rink and is open from mid-October through to March. During the winter season, the arena hosts ice hockey and public skating and is a busy and popular place to be. Many different tournaments take place during the season and the bleachers are filled with spectators cheering on their favorite teams.
The arena was built thirty years ago and is a steel beam structure that until receently, was dealing with the issue of condensation buildup on the beams. The condensation could lead to the rusting of the beams which could deteriorate the integrity of the structure. The moisture that was building up on the beams was dripping onto the ice, creating an uneven surface which is a hazard to skaters. With funding support from Northern Development and Recreation Infrastructure Canada, the Village of Ashcroft installed a dehumidifier and the exterior doors were replaced.
Since the Drylands Arena operations are funded by Ashcroft taxpayers, residents within the community will see a direct benefit from the energy savings that are a result of this renovation project. Ashcroft residents have also been able to enjoy the arena for an extended season since the replacement of the exterior doors has made it possible to keep the ice for a longer period of time.
Recreation facilities play a vital role when people are considering relocating or moving to an area. By ensuring the structural integrity of the Drylands Arena, Ashcroft will continue to benefit from the sports and fitness activities the facility has to offer for many years to come.