As Estevan prepares to vote on whether to add a third ice rink to the city’s sports facilities, nearby communities are watching closely. For smaller towns like Midale, the potential shift could mean more than just a new rink—it could alter the dynamics of regional collaboration and community engagement.
Lois Feaver, Recreation Director of Midale, expressed both admiration for Estevan’s existing facilities and concern about the potential impacts a new rink could have on surrounding communities.
“Estevan does an amazing job keeping its facilities busy with hockey teams, figure skaters, and community events,” Feaver said. “However, a new facility in Estevan could significantly shift demand away from neighbouring rinks, undermining the progress we’ve made in providing an affordable, accessible, and well-maintained option for teams and organizations.”
Midale’s rink has become a central hub for regional hockey and other ice sports, drawing teams not just from Estevan and Weyburn but also from smaller towns along Highway 39. Feaver highlighted Midale’s strategic location, explaining, “Our rink has been proud to host numerous Estevan teams over the years, and we’re looking to expand that partnership in the future.”
However, Feaver worries that a new rink in Estevan could change this dynamic. “This could impact our ability to host teams and events, which are essential to our community,” she said. “Losing teams from Estevan could mean a decrease in revenue, which would affect our ability to maintain and improve the rink.”
The financial realities of maintaining a rink are no small matter for a small town like Midale. Feaver emphasized, “Supporting community rinks like ours offers substantial savings compared to the investment needed for a new ice surface in Estevan. This approach keeps hockey accessible and affordable for everyone in the region.”
For Feaver, the issue goes beyond finances; it’s also about preserving the community spirit and connectivity that Midale’s rink fosters. “Our rink is a place where kids can build their skills close to home and where communities come together,” she explained. “Supporting local rinks is essential for preserving this access and maintaining strong community bonds.”
Feaver hopes that Estevan’s city council will consider the bigger picture if the public votes in favour of a new rink. She reflected on the regional support Estevan has historically shown, noting, “Estevan has been able to thrive with the support of teams previously based at the Civic Arena, and losing that support would hurt not just Midale, but also other surrounding communities that depend on this collaboration.”
“It just makes sense for Council to continue to utilize the facilities around Estevan,” Feaver added. “It’s only a half-hour drive for most people, so it’s not too big of a cost for families to play hockey outside of Estevan.”
For now, Feaver and other community leaders await the outcome of Estevan’s vote, hopeful that the region’s collaborative spirit will continue.