Contributions from Kneehill County, the Torrington and District Agricultural Society and the Torrington Curling Club, along with provincial grants from the Community Facility Enhancement Program and Alberta Agricultural Society, have given the Ron Gorr Memorial Arena in Torrington a much-needed face-lift.
In April of 2018, Kneehill County Council approved funding in the amount of $500,000.00 for the Torrington Arena project. To date, extensive renovations and improvements include modification to the exterior of the facility, exit, and emergency lighting, plumbing fixtures, roofing and boiler repairs, fire alarm engineering, and a new Ice Plant. Renovations will continue in 2020, with improvements to include an overhead door replacement, attic insulation, air conditioning, fire alarm upgrades, and exterior sidewalks.
The Torrington Ag Society also contributed to the enhancement of the arena, funding the retrofit lighting, interior remodeling, interior paint and flooring, a new dishwasher, and the upper floor furnace. The upgrades to LED lighting and the Ice Plant saved the Arena almost $3000.00 in electrical expenses over a three-month period.
“With the lighting and plant upgrades, we can shift our attention from equipment repairs and ensuring utility bills are paid to focusing our time and energy on promoting the building and all it has to offer.” Said Alisa Kolenosky, presenting to Kneehill County Council with the Torrington Ag Society. “We’ve received very positive feedback on the upgrades that have been completed and have had an increase in inquiries for renting the facility. It’s exciting for us to see the renewed potential, and to have this hub remain in our community for many more years to come.”
Kneehill County Reeve Jerry Wittstock agrees. “It’s exciting when you put a project together and it turns out as well as it has.” He said. “It’s great to see the whole thing come together… we really appreciate Torrington Ag Society’s work.”
The success of the renovations is due in large part, Alisa insists, to the volunteers from the surrounding community. “We documented over 150 volunteer hours over the summer to make the project happen,” said Alisa. “We’re so appreciative of the community members who volunteered their time and energy towards these enhancements.”
Join the Torrington and District Agricultural Society for an Open House to see and celebrate the new and improved facility, Monday, February 17, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Ron Gorr Memorial Arena in Torrington.
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For more information, please contact Kneehill County, 403-443-5541.