Blake Ellis/The Independent

Oil Springs has put off a request for support and the appointment of a representative to a regional arena feasibility committee.

In the last meeting of the term for council on Oct. 13 before voters cast their ballots, councillors reviewed a letter from the Community Access Recreation Expansion (CARE) Committee. It was established in 2025 after Lisa Vanderwal and Kelly Bailey started advocating for a second ice pad at Petrolia’s Greenwood Recreation Centre in February 2024.

More than 870 signatures were gathered on a petition calling for an additional ice pad.

In November 2024, the petition and proposal was presented to Petrolia council which supported moving forward with an assessment of the Greenwood Recreation Centre to better understand its condition, remaining useful life and its need for future planning.

As part of the feasibility process, Vanderwal and Bailey are seeking the support of Enniskillen, Oil Springs and Plympton-Wyoming in the creation of a regional arena feasibility committee.

Enniskillen council tabled the request in September, wanting to revisit the matter in early 2027.

In Oil Springs, council noted it is not known yet who will be on council moving forward, making it difficult to appoint a
representative.

“I think any type of feasibility study on any type of facility in the county by our residents should have our voice involved,” said Councillor Adam Veen, about whether Oil Springs should appoint a representative. Mayor Ian
Veen and Councillor Connie McFadden agreed.

Meantime in Plympton-Wyoming Monday, councillors also put aside the request for the time being saying they needed more information before deciding.

Candidates for council in Petrolia say they’ll need regional partners if a twin-pad arena is to be built.