In a significant boost to the community, the City Council has accepted a generous $1,000,000 USD donation from the Murphy Family Foundation.
This donation will significantly contribute to funding the planned critical upgrades to the arena, which will enhance the experience for arena users and the wider community alike.
The planned upgrades include:
- installation of shock-absorbing acrylic boards – improving player and community safety and game dynamics.
- purchase of an extra set of acrylic glass for storage and use – ensuring the arena is always game-ready.
- upgrading of the concrete cooling flooring – enhancing the quality, maintenance and longevity of the ice surface.
- replacement of the sound system – providing a superior audio experience for all events.
“The upgrades we have planned for the Trail Memorial Centre will preserve its status as a premier venue for hockey and other events—a legacy which is well worth the city’s investment,” said Colleen Jones, City of Trail Mayor.
“We are very grateful to the Murphy Family Foundation for their contribution to this project and community support.”
“The Cominco Arena is the heart and soul of Trail,” said Rich Murphy, President/Owner of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Founder/Board Member of the Murphy Family Foundation.
“The Foundation looks forward to working with the City of Trail to support these capital improvements that will modernize the facility while maintaining its history and legacy.”
“Player safety for all skaters on the ice, Smoke Eaters included, is paramount,” said Craig Clare, Director of Business and Hockey Operations for the Trail Smoke Eaters.
“These updates will deliver a higher level of safety for all skaters and continue to make the Cominco Arena a standout facility in the BCHL.”
In additional news, the City of Trail and the Trail Smoke Eaters have come to terms regarding usage of the facility and have negotiated free usage of the facility through the regular and playoff season for the next five years for the Trail Smoke Eaters.
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].