The AGT Community Centre in Eston is another arena/curling rink in the west central region who received major renovations over the summer. This included new concrete in both the main arena and the curling rink as well. The renovations were just completed earlier this month, which was a minor setback, but all in all Recreation Director Brett Howe said the only thing that had to be moved back was the hockey school. 

“We did have a slight push back, but overall, that was not too bad considering everything that we had done in the rink and kind of the time it is in the world right now with things getting delayed. So yeah, we just push back our hockey school and our bodychecking camp by one week. It will now take place October 29th, 30th, 31st.”  

The Town has been raising funds for the project for many months, first through an online auction, and then by the purchase of squares available at the Town Office or at www.eston.ca, which is still ongoing. The project, which has been dubbed “Shake the Foundation,” has raised $99,295 as of October 21. New boards were also put in the hockey arena ice surface as well.

Howe also said public skating will be available, and there is no charge for anyone who wants to use it, COVID protocols just need to be followed. 

“We don't charge for public skating, actually it's kind of part of our sponsorship package. Every year we kind of revisit our sponsorship package and have new sponsorship groups. So, we had decided when they came out with the program and the sponsorship packages that public skating would be something that was part of that. We have a donation sponsorship for the public skating and it’s free and welcome for everyone to use in the community.” 

There is also a special ceremony coming up on October 30. Howe explains. 

“We also have our Gallery of Glory is on October 30th, so that's when we induct members of the community who've been nominated for it could be sports, community involvement, academics. We kind of have a package where you can nominate someone within the community, and we have that coming up our induction ceremony on the October 30th.” 

Herb C Stevenson, and the 2018-19 Eston Ramblers U18 hockey team are set to be inducted into the Gallery of Glory. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm on October 30 at the AGT Community Centre, with the banquet to follow. If interested in attending, tickets are available at the Eston Town Office.  

The Town is also planning a Small-Town Friday Night supper and comedy act on November 19, and you can expect more details on it in the coming weeks.