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Queen Charlotte group plans skating rink

A group of Queen Charlotte residents is spearheading a drive for an ice rink in the village. Not a rink with real ice, but one with synthetic ice.The idea was presented by Spencer Hornoi at Charlotte council's public information meeting Monday evening."I moved here at the end of September and I was shocked that we still have communities that don't have an ice rink," Mr. Hornoi said.He told the group of about a dozen who attended that synthetic ice, made of plastic, is very advanced now, and that operation and maintenance would basically cost nothing.The plan is to build the rink at the community park, behind the village office. It would be covered and secure, but would have open walls, meaning it could be used in all but the worst weather. Cost of the facility is expected to be between $500,000 and $600,000.Mr. Hornoi said synthetic ice looks a lot like normal ice, and regular skates are used on it, for hockey, figure skating or recreational skating. He also said it lasts for 20 years in heavy commercial use, and would likely last 'forever' here in Queen Charlotte.The group plans to form a society and start looking into finding grants to pay for the rink."This community needs a rink," Mr Hornoi said, "it's a focal point of the community, as far as I'm concerned."