Children on the outdoor skating rink

Press Release
(For immediate release) 

Little Brook, NS – December 13, 2021: The month of December marked the grand opening of the Clare community skating rink, an initiative funded by the Municipality of Clare and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Welcoming Francophone Communities program.

Located next to the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville and made of a system of interlocking synthetic ice panels, the 12 x 24 metre (40 x 80 ft) rink is designed to be used year-round.

“A major goal of our Welcoming Francophone Communities project is to make our public spaces more accommodating for all – long-time residents and newcomers alike,” says Amy Paradis, coordinator for Communauté francophone accueillante (CFA) de Clare. “There is nothing more Canadian than skating with friends on the neighbourhood rink. Since this installation is accessible all year round, families who have immigrated to Clare can choose to enjoy the experience without necessarily having to adjust to our winter climate. We can skate in September, November or May!”  

The Municipality and CFA de Clare are developing a loan program for children’s and adult skates, as well as skate trainers, hockey sticks and helmets. In early 2022, CFA de Clare will be launching a learn-to-skate program for newcomers to the community. Special events such as three-on-three hockey tournaments are also planned to be held.

When the idea was brought to their attention at a meeting in the spring of 2021, Council for the Municipality of Clare was very supportive of this new community space.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the importance of our public spaces. During isolation, families turned to our parks, playgrounds and other installations to maintain their physical and mental health,” notes Yvon LeBlanc, Warden for the Municipality of Clare. “This investment will give our residents a new place to gather safely and will promote a healthy and engaging community.”

Residents of Clare may consult the Municipality of Clare website (www.clarenovascotia.com) for details regarding skate times and rules and regulations.

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Settled in 1768 and incorporated in 1879, the Municipality of Clare is located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia with approximately 8,000 residents. The Municipality of Clare is the only municipality in the province that conducts business and offers services in both official languages, French and English.

A partnership between the Municipality of Clare and the Société acadienne de Clare and funded by IRCC, CFA de Clare aims to promote inclusive leadership, equitable access to reception and settlement services, economic and employment opportunities and community involvement through a variety of activities and special services.

Media Contact / Interviews:
Amy Paradis
Coordinator, CFA de Clare
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yvon LeBlanc
Warden
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.