Joe Grandjambe reminisces about the vibrant hockey tournaments that used to take place at Fort Good Hope’s indoor rink, a hub for youth development and community engagement. However, nearly a decade ago, the rink’s closure dealt a significant blow to the town, leaving the younger generation with limited recreational options.
Chief Shawn Grandjambe highlighted the dire situation, attributing the rink’s closure to a costly fire code violation. He emphasized the urgent need for repairs and called upon the N.W.T. government to provide support. Chief Grandjambe envisions not just a replacement rink but a modern sportsplex with additional amenities like a food stand, aiming to boost employment opportunities in the community.
Despite an outdoor rink being available, Chief Grandjambe stressed the importance of having an indoor facility, especially during extreme weather conditions. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs clarified that the community owns the rink and receives annual funding for maintenance. However, both Grandjambe and Joe argue that the current funding falls short of what is required for a new facility, advocating for increased financial support for the proposed multiplex.
