During Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Perth, Fire Chief Trevor Choffe presented a report recommending council authorize staff to proceed with the creation of a new four-season sport court at 1881 Rogers Rd. The initial costs of creating this sport court are fully funded by donors, and remaining costs are expected to be covered by eager donors as well. “This is just an example of how generous a community we have,” explained Choffe. 

The Perth Firedawgs set up a temporary skating surface behind the parking lot of the Fire Station on Rogers Rd that has been “very well used.” Mayor Fenik chimed in that he enjoyed using the temporary outdoor rink this year, where he could wobble and fall in relative privacy. Outdoor activities of all sorts have been enjoyed in larger numbers this year and last due to Covid-19. “It’s going to help people keep busy, and expanding it to four seasons is good for everyone involved,” commented Chief Choffe. This temporary surface will be transformed into a four-season sport court.

During the winter, this space will be used as an outdoor rink. During the warmer months, it can be used as a basketball court and a ball hockey arena. 

Choffe’s report notes that the court is within the town’s property lines and does not interfere with any services or the floodplain. The Perth Firedawgs will assume the costs of installing this sport court, thanks to generous funds from donors. Funding is already in place for the cost of the pad installation; funding is “in the works” for boards and lighting. There will be no cost to the town for this initiative.

Article by Janelle Labelle