The Natuashish arena has finally reopened after a prolonged closure, and the community’s new recreation director reports a high demand for ice time. Desiree Andrew-Piwas mentioned that the Labrador community’s arena shut down in 2020 but recently resumed operations after undergoing renovations.
According to Andrew-Piwas, many children in the community are now learning to skate, with some receiving donated skates from the Innu Round Table Secretariat since not all kids have their own. The arena is accessible to the public for skating every evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends. While youth hockey has not started due to the beginners’ skating phase, there are plans for hockey sessions following public skating.
Andrew-Piwas noted the overwhelming attendance at the arena, with kids and adults flocking to the facility regularly. Joey Green, a project manager from Dobson Contracting, expressed satisfaction in contributing to the arena’s revival and continues to monitor its operations post-renovation.
In 2020, the community faced power outages leading to the arena’s closure, resulting in extensive damages when pipes burst due to freezing. Despite challenges like break-ins during the shutdown, repair work since 2023 has restored the arena to its former glory, including plumbing fixes, heating repairs, door replacements, and overall refurbishment.
Green highlighted the enthusiasm among children eagerly waiting for the arena’s doors to open for skating sessions. The reopening of the arena has been well-received by the community, emphasizing the importance of having such a recreational space for youth and adults alike.