Dean speaks of 'best French fries in the world,' Terry remembers first three-point game (3 photos)

The federal government has stepped forward as a partner with Batchewana First Nation to revamp the 40-year-old Rankin Arena.

Sault MP Terry Sheehan was at the arena Friday with Dean Sayers, Batchewana First Nation chief, to announce $100,000 in Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding, delivered through FedNor, to go toward upgrades for the building.

The funding goes along with $100,000 already invested by Batchewana First Nation.

“I thank FedNor for coming up to the plate,” Sayers said.

Another $100,000, for a total of $300,000, will be needed in order to fully revitalize the building, Sayers told reporters.

To that end, Sayers said Batchewana First Nation is working on a business plan and seeking more investment to reach that goal.

The FedNor funding announced by Sheehan assists with upgrades to Rankin Arena’s refrigeration unit and lighting. 

“We have had really inefficient equipment (in the past) and it really had an effect on our competitiveness…we’re now able to be more attractive with the quality of our ice and our lighting, we’re coming up to par with other arenas,” Sayers said.

“It’s good to be here,” Sheehan told reporters, recalling he notched his first three-point game playing hockey at Rankin Arena as a youngster.

Friday’s funding is part of a $10.4 million CIP 150 allocation for northern Ontario over two years, to be delivered through FedNor, ending March 31, 2018.

“These upgrades are vital, as they will help reduce the operational costs of this important venue, where many cultural events occur…it’s been a hub for Batchewana, the Sault and northern Ontario,” Sheehan said.

Sayers pointed out Rankin Arena is not only a valuable site for hockey tournaments, but also a popular location for Halloween and Christmas parties for children and many other special occasions.

“It’s well utilized.”  

“We want to see this area once again be a hub, a gathering place for hockey for all of Canada…we also have catering services, community gatherings, we have the best French fries in the area here, I’ve looked forward to coming here my whole life for the best French fries in the world,” Sayers smiled.

“We still have that quality of food, we have ice rentals, gathering spaces for meetings for rent, we have space outside, there’s a lot of potential here and we are going to continue with the revamping of the facility, and this (funding) really helps us.”