Joe Grandjambe, a long-time resident of Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories, reminisced about the vibrant days at the community’s indoor rink. He recalled how people from all over the territory used to gather for hockey tournaments, emphasizing the valuable life lessons of teamwork, organization, and discipline that the sport instilled in the youth. The closure of the rink nearly ten years ago had a devastating impact on the community, leaving the younger generation with limited recreational opportunities.
Fort Good Hope Chief Shawn Grandjambe revealed that the arena has remained abandoned since its closure due to a fire code violation necessitating expensive repairs. Expressing his determination to revitalize the space, he called upon the N.W.T. government to assist in restoring the facility promptly. Chief Grandjambe envisioned not just a new rink but a sportsplex, complete with additional amenities like a food stand, aiming to generate employment opportunities for the local residents.
Despite the presence of an outdoor rink, accessibility becomes challenging during extreme weather conditions, such as the frigid temperatures in December. Chief Grandjambe emphasized the critical need for indoor sports facilities to ensure year-round recreational options for the youth. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs confirmed that the rink is community-owned, with annual capital funding available for repairs, detailing Fort Good Hope’s allocation for 2025-2026 at $1,264,000.
Both Shawn and Joe Grandjambe advocated for increased territorial funding, asserting that the current budget falls short of what is required to establish a new facility. Chief Grandjambe specifically called for dedicated funding towards the proposed multiplex facility, highlighting the necessity for enhanced support from the government to address the community’s recreational needs effectively.