RED LAKE -- R.E.A.C.H is a publicly accessible facility that will service the Red Lake Region and visitors from all of Northwestern Ontario. This facility promises to increase access to quality social, cultural and recreational services through active partnerships with existing community activities and events.
"A facility such as this in Red Lake would strengthen our relationship and would provide opportunities for our youth, families, and elders. It would bring the entire community and region together and provide a healthy venue for all to enjoy," said Chief Dean Owen, Pikangikum First Nation
R.E.A.C.H. will become home to the Red Lake Miners, their Junior A members of The Superior International Junior Hockey League. The arena will host visiting teams from the SIJHL, high schools, recreation leagues, and tournaments.
The facility will also be home to the prominent figure skating community. Seating for 500 people, private suites, and a viewing lounge will ensure a vibrant crowd and a financially viable arena.
Supporting the arena on the lower level will be five dressing rooms for maximum efficiency, a medical room for player safety, and a full cardio/weight room to promote health and wellness activities.
The main level is administration offices and reception for building security and information, private suites, a viewing lounge, a generous concourse, concession, pro-shop and a 200-meter indoor walking track.
R.E.A.C.H will also house a 300-person Performing Arts Centre. The use of the performing arts centre will bring in travelling shows to high school plays and musicals. The Municipality feels that with seating for 300 people, the performing arts centre is right-sized for this region, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. A quality that R.E.A.C.H explains could rival more extensive facilities in larger urban centres.
Sean Montieth, director of education, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and states, "It would be very positive for our students, staff and community members to have access to a facility with multiple purposes, one that will celebrate diversity and healthy active living within the communities."
Supporting the theatre space is back of house facilities - dressing rooms, workshops, green room; and front of house services - dedicated washrooms, coat-check, lounges, and an expansive foyer.
Local catering, smaller functions, and receptions can be held at the performing arts centre, increasing its daily use.
The Municipality continues to seek out funding opportunities and actively engages with both the Provincial and Federal Governments to assist with the construction costs of this new facility. The Municipality tells the community that R.E.A.C.H is now shovel-ready, and the site on Hughes Crescent has been cleared for construction.
"This project was exemplified during our 2021-2022 ice season wherein the current arena's ice plant was out of operation suddenly leaving hockey and figure skating groups without ice for over two months. These occurrences certainly demonstrate the deterioration of the current facility and the need to have something reliable and sustainable for our community," said Brenda Gignac, community development and communications manager.
A volunteer fundraising group has been established and has been working on various initiatives over the years to cover a portion of the costs of the project. This group has raised almost $10,000.00 of their $29,200,000 project goal.
Previous fundraising initiatives include Oktoberfest, Ball Hockey Tournament, Meat Draw at Legion, Bingo, and Live streaming of Red Lake Miners hockey games (which allowed the local fans to come together for a low cost to watch these games on the live stream channel). There are also vehicle stickers for purchase that can be used to show support for the project. We have also set up a donation program where donors can receive a leaf on our giving tree - colour dependent upon funding level.
If you want to donate, please go to https://www.reachredlake.ca/
or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reachredlake
