Submitted Photo The ice rink in the former driveshed of the St Andrew's United Church in Camilla is fast becoming a great place for the local community to get out and enjoy winter on the ice. It may be a community of just 230 residents, but Camilla now boasts its very own sports complex, Air Camilla Centre.

Just before Christmas, work started on the roughly 25-foot wide and 45-foot long rink located in the St. Andrew's United Church barn on Mono's 15 Sideroad.

Rob McArthur, Colin Bradley and Dave Logan built the frame and flooded the mini-arena, while George Phillips created the sign.

A period of well above normal temperatures kept the rink out of commission until mid- January as it wasn't cold enough until two weeks ago for the water to freeze. Once the ice was solid children in the neighbourhood tested the rink, which can be used by anyone in the area since you don't have to be a resident of Camilla.

There's no fee for enjoying an afternoon of skating, that also usually involves hot chocolate. The rink is available for use Saturday afternoons and after the morning church service on Sundays.

It was a unanimous vote of approval by the church's council to use the barn as a social venue for as long as possible during the winter months.

The church is famous for its annual Strawberry Dinner in the summer and its barbecue and corn roast in the fall, and the congregation wanted something for the winter months.

Mr. Phillips, a life-long resident of the c o m m u n i t y, said this is similar to an outreach program to entertain children and offer a learning experience in a social atmosphere, versus having them sit at home and watch TV.

He said if this is a typical Canadian winter the rink will be available until mid-March. Right now, the men are flooding the rink three times a week at night.

"This cold snap is really working for us," said Mr. Phillips. "Once you get a base it's pretty easy."

He noted that unlike outdoor rinks, they don't have to worry about shoveling snow, since it's protected by a roof.

The church may try to organize an opening gala and play to a number of skating parties over the next several weeks.