Winter Rinks in Waskesiu

The "Bushdome" and the Whiskey Jacks

The community of people who lived in Waskesiu year round enjoyed a wide variety of recreational opportunities in every season. In winter, an outdoor rink was tucked in the forest behind the Recreation Hall on Montreal Drive near the National Park employee homes. Locally known as "The Bushdome", this rink had a shack for putting on skates, boards, nets, lines, and lights for night use. Many young children learned to skate on this natural ice and many a game of shinny was planned here. The local team was known as the Whiskey Jacks, as this artifact - hockey puck in the Museum, attests.

Curling Rink

Also located on the east end of Montreal Drive was a curling rink with two sheets of ice where the locals threw for the button and shouted "hurry hard" to sweep the rocks on the natural ice. After many years of use as a curling rink, this facility was repurposed as an indoor skating rink in the early 2000s. In 2005 it was officially named the Paul G. Horne Community Arena after a local person as a symbol of Paul’s contributions—his dedication to community service, his passion for recreational activities, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community. In a partnership between the Waskesiu Foundation and the Waskesiu Recreation Association, the rink interior was updated and renovated in the fall of 2024.

What's in a name?

The Paul G. Horne Community Arena was officially named in 2005 and unveiled on July 27, 2005, what would have been Paul Grant Horne’s 37th birthday, just a few months after his passing from cancer on April 3, 2005.

In March 2005, the Waskesiu Fire Department proposed naming the arena in Paul’s honor as it was nameless. It was a tribute that deeply moved Paul since he was battling cancer at the time and passed away shortly after learning of this honour.

The Paul G. Horne Community Arena stands as a symbol of Paul’s contributions—his dedication to community service, his passion for recreational activities, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community. The creation and maintenance of the sign were generously donated by Waskesiu community members and family.

Paul G. Horne Community Arena

Paul's Whiskey Jacks jersey (front)

Paul was instrumental in restarting the Waskesiu Whiskey Jack Hockey Team with another local person, Gregg Rutten creating the logo.

Paul G. Horne

Paul's Whiskey Jacks jersey (front)

1968 - 2005

Paul's Whiskey Jacks jersey (back)

Paul's Whiskey Jacks jersey (front)

Paul's Whiskey Jacks jersey (back)

A devoted Montreal Canadiens fan, Paul’s number was 10, inspired by his favorite NHL player, Guy Lafleur.

About Paul

Paul, born and raised in Prince Albert, had deep ties to Waskesiu, where his family spent many summers. His mother’s family had a shacktent in the 1950s, and his uncle worked as an electrician for Prince Albert National Park (PANP) in the 1960s. His family enjoyed many outdoor activities: canoeing, camping, golfing, and visiting Grey Owl’s cabin on Ajawaan Lake. In the late 90s, Paul worked seasonally for PANP in Visitor Services and volunteered with the Waskesiu Fire Department.

In 2001, Paul moved to Waskesiu year-round after marrying Bernadette née Case, who works for Parks Canada, and together they had a son, Nicholas, in 2003. The family spent much of their time exploring and enjoying the beauty of Prince Albert National Park, participating in many community events, and volunteering for the Waskesiu and District Recreation Association (“WADRA”).

Paul played a pivotal role in revitalizing the arena, which had originally been a curling rink but was no longer in use. In the early 2000s, he spearheaded efforts to transform the facility into a community skating arena. Additionally, Paul was instrumental in restarting the Waskesiu Whiskey Jack Hockey Team. He also organized local events like the Waskesiu WinterFest and served as Treasurer of WADRA. Through his leadership, Paul successfully raised funds and organized membership drives.

Select: Paul's biography contributed by his family

Memories from Paul's life and the rinks

Wife Bernadette & son Nicholas on Paul's memorial bench

In addition to the arena, Paul’s memorial bench, the first one in Waskesiu, is located on 'Ski Beach'. It overlooks Waskesiu Lake, near the site of many Frank Dunn Triathlons and ones that Paul participated in as a triathlete.

Paul's memorial bench plaque

This bench and t-shirt, like the arena, serve as a testament to Paul’s enduring care of this place, Waskesiu, Prince Albert National Park, his family, and the community, and their love and respect for him in remembering. "I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept my faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Paul competed in triathlons

Although Paul was not there in person, the Frank Dunn Triathlon in Waskesiu in August, 2005 remembered Paul as the athlete on the t-shirts given to the competitors designed by Dan Dunn .