Nominations opened on New Year’s Day.
In this first “nomination and rally” phase, communities across Canada can submit stories sharing why they think that their town should be the next Kraft Hockeyville.
Community coordinator for Bancroft’s Hockeyville, Meredith Card, says it’s an important time for the community to come together.
“It’s really important for the community to get involved and submit their stories into the rally page for the North Hastings Community Centre…. the arena was built in 1972 and there is a long list of items that could be replaced, but the top priorities are definitely a dehumidifier, a dressing room, accessible washroom and a foyer renovation or even an expansion.”
This year’s Kraft Hockeyville comes at a time when the community has struggled with overwhelming costs related to the aging arena, resulting in user fees skyrocketing for non-Bancroft residents, putting local youth’s chances to play hockey and skate in jeopardy.
Whether people have a personal connection to hockey or simply feel the arena is an important resource for youth and community, anyone can submit to the Kraft Hockeyville website, increasing Bancroft’s chances.
“I think over the last two years everyone has become more aware of how expensive it is to run and maintain the arena. The winnings would help alleviate the financial burden for the operators who are the Town of Bancroft. It’s our community hub and we have this opportunity to help out and I find every year this contest just brings out so much joy to everybody, they get very excited about this.”
Those who want to take part can go to the Kraft Hockeyville website and answer three questions about their community, the arena and the upgrades needed. The deadline is March 1.
This is the 19th year that Kraft Hockeyville has taken place, having awarded more than $5.1 million to communities across Canada since it began.
