The East End Community Pride Association is looking at ways to increase the popularity of the Winter Carnival in a milestone year.
Tina Chartrand was on hand at city hall Monday evening to ask council for their assistance.
“We’d like to offer an opportunity for free skating as well as have further events within the community, including some at the Maurice Londry Community Centre. My request to council is to seek a partnership and waive the fees for the facilities.” said Chartrand.
She hoped to have approval from all members of council, taking into account the good will and community spirit they promote.
“We are a non-profit organization and we’re relying on a lot of sponsors and volunteers. We’ve confirmed the availability of the Maurice Londry Community Centre for the 14th and 15th of February. We’re working on a time frame for the Whitney Arena. We’ve asked for the availability of 4 or 5 p.m.,” she said.
Councillor Mike Doody offered a history lesson.
“I think it’s good to remind everyone that for many, many years the city of Timmins had a winter carnival. For all kinds of reasons the carnival in Timmins faded away. LaRonde has a little bit of a weekend carnival. Connaught has a bit of a carnival. Certainly, South Porcupine stepped in some years ago and has made it very successful. I think that this mayor and council will step up to the plate and there’s no reason why we can’t be a happy partner,” said Doody.
Councillors gave their unanimous support for the request.
Mayor Steve Black apologized for making Chartrand come to city hall for the request, but says that is what he is asking of all organizations.
It is a milestone year for the event, which will mark its 30th anniversary in South Porcupine and Porcupine.
The festivities start on Friday, February 13th at 6pm at Roland Michener Secondary School, and will conclude with a fireworks display over Porcupine Lake on Sunday, February 15th.
(PHOTO: Tuula Bernard (left) and Tina Chartrand speak to council on Monday night. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday)