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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - A new concrete base recently put down in the ice rink of the Fort Simpson recreation centre will allow for a greater number of activities, according to the village's recreation co-ordinator.

"Ball hockey is going on right now and I am hoping to get a youth flag football league going as well," said recreation co-ordinator Dan Deschamps. "With the high ceilings there is a lot we can do with that. In the summer time we'll be able to host weddings and dances rather than in the gym. It opens up more opportunity in the rec centre having that concrete pad."

Sheldon Mckay plays goalie during a Sunday afternoon pick-up game of ball hockey on the new floor in the recreation centre. The floor will allow for more activities for the community. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

The concrete surface laid in the middle of August was an initiative of the village and the band council with help from the territorial government. Deschamps said there are also benefits for people who use the ice surface in the wintertime.

"It's going to help us get the rink in earlier and quicker than usual," he said. "The ice will be more level due to the cement. It will cool down a lot quicker than the sand we had before. Once we put the first flood on, it will bond a lot faster and the ice will generally be harder. It's going to create a better all-around ice surface for skaters."

Deschamps hopes to be laying the ice surface by the beginning of December, but when it will be the right time to do it is up to Mother Nature.

"We have to wait until it gets cold. Our ice plant is Mother Nature," he said. "As soon as you get just below zero - minus five or so - continuously over a week then we can usually start to build it up and get the ice going.

"It usually takes over a week to get the ice where we want it, depending on how cold it is too. There are a lot of variables."

Deschamps said they will be starting to discuss ice times for all the different groups who want to use the surface when it's ready. Minor hockey, men's and women's leagues, figure skating and speed skating will be consulted about ice times.

He said he hopes to have a schedule available in the next couple weeks.

Hockey registration will take place from Oct. 20 to 31 at the recreation centre. Forms and information will be available as of Oct. 17. Speed skating and figure skating forms will also be available.

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Recreation schedule:

Gymnasium

Monday:

After school open gym 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.

Shane's sports group 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Adult volleyball 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday:

After school open gym 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.

Badminton 6 - 7 p.m.

Basketball 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday:

After school open gym 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.

Shane's sports group 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Open gym 7 - 8:30 p.m.

16+ Ball hockey (arena) 7 - 9 p.m.

Thursday:

After school open gym 3:45 - 5:30 p.m.

Rhythmic gymnastics 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Football - youth (arena) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Basketball 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Friday:

Open gym 4 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday:

Open gym 2 - 8 p.m.

Sunday:

Shane's sports group 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Youth ball hockey (arena) 2 - 3 p.m.

16+ ball hockey (arena) 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Open gym 4 - 8 p.m.

Upstairs auditorium

Monday:

Kids' classical ballet 3:45 - 5 p.m.

Wednesday:

Kids' classical ballet 3:45 -5 p.m.

Adult fitness 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday:

Tai chi 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.