Joe Grandjambe fondly remembers the vibrant days at Fort Good Hope’s former indoor rink, where hockey tournaments drew participants from all over the Northwest Territories. Growing up in the community, he values how the sport instills teamwork, organization, and discipline in youth. However, the rink’s closure nearly a decade ago dealt a heavy blow to the area, leaving a dearth of recreational activities for the younger generation.
Chief Shawn Grandjambe highlighted the rink’s abandonment due to a fire code violation, necessitating costly repairs. He expressed a strong desire for government intervention to revitalize the facility, aiming for more than just a new rink but envisioning a sportsplex that could offer additional amenities like a food stand, potentially creating job opportunities for locals. Despite uncertainty over the project’s cost, the chief stressed the urgency of addressing the community’s recreational needs.
While an outdoor rink is available, Chief Shawn Grandjambe emphasized the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, underscoring the importance of indoor sports facilities for year-round access. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs clarified that the community owns the rink, with annual capital funding provided for maintenance and repairs. However, both Grandjambe and Joe Grandjambe emphasized the inadequacy of current funding levels, advocating for increased support to realize the proposed multiplex facility.