GREENSTONE — Municipal councillors decided Monday night that residents of Beardmore and Nakina will continue to have indoor space for curling and community events but not skating and hockey next winter.
In motions passed after much debate and four deputations, councillors decided to permanently cease operation of the two communities’ indoor skating rinks this year.
But the motions spared the Beardmore and Nakina curling rinks from closure and directed municipal staff to continue with public engagement and consultations regarding community facilities.
“I’m overall pretty pleased with being able to retain the curling side of the (Beardmore) complex,” said Rick Mikesh, a pastor in Beardmore who made a deputation to Greenstone council last October but could not attend Monday’s proceedings.
“We’re thankful we didn’t lose our curling, absolutely,” fellow Beardmore resident Nikki Goodman agreed.
“That’s where a majority of our stuff happens. I mean, skating is wonderful, hockey is great, but we really did not want to lose our curling.”
Council’s decisions followed deputations by residents of the Beardmore and Nakina wards and nearby First Nations, all of them telling councillors the community complexes are vitally important.
Goodman said she’s worried about “the trickle-down effect” closure of the community centre would have as there would be “no draw for people to move here or even stay.”
Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek Chief Yvette Metansinine, speaking for her First Nation and two others, said events at the Beardmore complex “are vital opportunities for families to connect and participate in a shared community spirit.”
Mark Bell, a member of Aroland First Nation council, said closing the Nakina community centre would be “a step in the wrong direction.”
Nakina resident Marla Michel described her local complex as “a cornerstone for our entire community.”
Monday’s council votes came about six months after a Greenstone council meeting heard residents’ pleas to keep the community centres open.
Greenstone Mayor Jamie McPherson told Newswatch at the time that the municipality was caught “between a rock and a hard place,” wanting to keep community facilities open but legally required to balance its operating budget.
Greenstone was created by the Ontario government in 2001 by combining Beardmore, Nakina, Geraldton, Longlac and some smaller unorganized communities along or near Highway 11.
