KENORA — A trio of city facilities are getting new names.
The City of Kenora announced that they have sold the naming right to three of their recreational and tourism facilities — the Keewatin Memorial Arena, the Whitecap Pavilion and the Kenora Recreation Centre — to three local companies.
"We are very excited to have locally-owned companies support this project and these facilities. The reality is that in each case, these companies would have had members of their ownership group, staff, and family members who will have participated in recreational or tourism activities at some or all of these amazing facilities," said Stace Gander, the city's director of economic growth and recovery.
"This support from the sponsor organizations demonstrates a commitment to Kenora and its citizens. We are proud to have local sponsors support such activities for the extended terms of these agreements.”
Bowman Electric’s sponsorship of the Keewatin Memorial Arena will provide the city with $175,000 over the next 10 years. The facility will be renamed Bowman Electric–Keewatin Memorial Arena.
“Started in 1957 by my grandfather Swen Bowman, who loved the area and people in the community, Bowman Electric has always been committed to helping Kenora grow. In keeping up with the traditions of my grandfather Swen, my uncle Roger and my father Gregg, when I was presented with this wonderful opportunity of Naming Rights to the Keewatin Memorial Arena, I had to continue this tradition. I also couldn’t help but think of this opportunity as a way to honour my late mother, Linda Bowman, who grew up and resided in Keewatin her whole life.” said Bowman Electric president Dylan Bowman in a release.
“Growing up I spent a lot of time in and outside the Keewatin Arena and as a third-generation business owner in Kenora, I am thrilled at the opportunity to support the City of Kenora once again.”
The naming rights to the Whitecap Pavilion were awarded to Jarnel Contracting Ltd. They will be renaming the popular tourist attraction the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion. Their contribution will provide the city with $150,000 over the next 10 years.
The Kenora Recreation Centre is getting sponsorship from Moncrief Construction, amounting to $375,000 for 15 years. The facility will be known as the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre.
“Founded in Kenora, we are pleased to be given the opportunity to support the community where our family, friends, customers, clients, and employees play and work. We are proud of our history and look forward to our future in the community as the naming rights partner for the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre.” contracts administrator Hilary Moncrief said.
The city said the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre will continue to provide programs and events at the recreation facility.
Gander said the sponsorship funds will be advantageous in generating revenue for the city.
“All municipalities struggle with opportunities to generate new revenue streams outside of traditional taxes or user fees. These agreements over their respective terms represent $542,500 of new revenue to help support recreation and tourism which is a significant contribution to Kenora,” Gander said.
