The Armour, Ryerson and Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena continues to be a hub of activity.
Arena manager Graham Smith said September 2024 saw more ice time sold or used over the previous September. Last month, the arena sold or utilized 164 hours of ice time, which was 22 additional hours from a year ago.
Smith told Burk’s Falls council on Oct. 15 that the arena continues to get requests for usage and even though we’re only halfway through October, ice rentals to date are at 145 hours. He’s expecting higher revenues for the month as more paid ice rentals are booked.
See: 'We really don’t like to say no': Armour Ryerson and Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena sees strong growth
The Karl Crozier Community Room saw a busier than normal September because the facility was rented out for more events, including a Town of Burk’s Falls training day, two birthdays plus some non-profit meetings.
On Oct. 4 and 5, there was a puck and ball tournament at the arena and ball diamond.
Smith said the tournament was successful and organizers have booked both facilities again for next year.
Another great event, according to Smith, was a women's hockey tournament in September that generated an $800 donation to Almaguin Pet Rescue.
Smith says not only have tourney organizers rented the arena for the same event in 2025, but they've also requested more ice time and may book the hall on a Friday night for a banquet.
Smith’s report ended with a future booking involving a local school group that’s requesting ice time, plus use of the Karl Crozier room.
The booking is for the end of February, when the students not only get to ice skate, they will also experience a travelling zoo.
Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with Almaguin News. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
