Elk Point’s A.G. Ross Arena Secures $750,000 in Provincial Funding for New Ice Plant Project

Pictured (left to right): AG Ross Arena Caretaker Brian Poitras, MLA Scott Cyr, Courtney Kelly, Loree Reynolds, Minister Tanya Fir and Carrie Baumgardner.

Elk Point’s A.G. Ross Arena is set for a major upgrade, thanks to a $750,000 investment from Alberta’s $10 million Active Communities Initiative. The funding will support the New Ice Plant Project, ensuring the arena remains a central hub for sports and recreation while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

Scott Cyr, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul, shared his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m thrilled to share that Elk Point’s A.G. Ross Arena has been awarded $750,000 through Alberta’s $10 million Active Communities Initiative! This funding will support the New Ice Plant Project, ensuring our arena remains a vital hub for sports and recreation while improving energy efficiency and sustainability.”

The Active Communities Initiative aims to build and revitalize sport and recreation infrastructure across Alberta. Funding is being directed to 19 communities to support facilities like recreation centres, ice arenas, swimming pools, ski clubs, and pickleball and tennis courts.

“By making sport and recreation more accessible and affordable, Alberta’s government is ensuring that families and athletes have the facilities they need to stay active and engaged,” Cyr added.

Highlighting the significance of the investment, Cyr noted, “This investment is a direct response to what communities like Elk Point have been asking for. Local sports and recreation facilities are more than just buildings—they are places where neighbours connect, children develop confidence, and families come together. By listening to the needs of Albertans, our government is taking real action to support grassroots sports, healthier lifestyles, and the economic growth that comes with well-maintained community infrastructure.”

Elk Point stands out as one of only eight communities in Alberta to receive funding for a larger-scale project during the first intake of the Active Communities Initiative. Cyr emphasized the regional importance of the project, stating, “This highlights just how important the A.G. Ross Arena is—not just for Elk Point, but for the broader region.”

Cyr also extended his gratitude to those involved in securing the funding. “A huge thank you to Minister Joseph Schow and Alberta’s government for this important investment in our rural communities. Another big thank you to Minister Tanya Fir, who visited Elk Point last August to meet with the Elk Point & District Agricultural Society and hear directly from the community about the needs of the A.G. Ross Arena. Her visit highlighted the importance of this project, and I appreciate her continued support for rural Alberta.”

He concluded by congratulating local leaders, saying, “Congratulations once again to Carrie Baumgardner and the Elk Point & District Agricultural Society for their dedication to securing this funding! I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will have on our community.”

The funding marks a significant step forward for Elk Point, ensuring the A.G. Ross Arena remains a vibrant and sustainable space for community engagement and athletic development.