As Canada’s 150th anniversary approaches, the Wallaceburg Arena could be in line for $2 million in upgrades.
Chatham-Kent council authorized the Municipality to apply for $1 million in grant funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. If awarded, a total of $2 million in upgrades would be done to the Wallaceburg Arena, with the Municipality’s $1 million share being funded through a combination of reserves and the capital budget.
Evelyn Bish, acting general manager of community development, said in a report that the Wallaceburg Arena was selected over other projects, including: Chatham Memorial Arena upgrades, the ‘Round the River’ trail expansion, and improvements in Chatham’s downtown core.
“Wallaceburg arena staff have identified required upgrades from as far back as 1999,” Bish said in her report.
“The project would cost approximately $2 million and fits in well with the grant requirements. Our rural arenas have the basic requirements to be fully functioning except for elevators in Ridgetown, Wheatley, Wallaceburg, and Blenheim arenas. However, this grant does not provide for funding in multiple locations.”
The scope of work being proposed includes:
– Expand the front lobby area and build new fully accessible male/female washrooms as well as a family change room
– Install a new elevator; modify upstairs area to accept elevator entrance into the Jack Bachus Mezzanine; utilize former sports store area to house the mechanical/elevator enclosure
– Reconfigure the dressing rooms on the west side, keeping the one furthest south and removing the other two to be replaced by a canteen area – this expands the canteen reception and service area
– Build three new dressing rooms on the west side of the building
– Develop an ice level viewing area for spectators with limited mobility that supports full viewing of the ice surface
Some of the rationale to select the Wallaceburg Arena for the grant include:
– The Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommended the Wallaceburg arena remain as part of Chatham-Kent’s recreation infrastructure;
– The arena is well utilized with ice activities for both youth and adult users, arena floor activities for minor, Jr. B, Jr. C lacrosse, and community events in the Jack Bachus Mezzanine
– A new owner has just invested in the Jr. C Hockey team which will make it a more viable, sustainable entity
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced ‘Intake Two’ of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Grant.
The Government of Canada is doubling its investment in community and cultural infrastructure, providing an additional $150 million over two years to renovate, expand or improve these spaces across Canada.
“As we near Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program highlights the importance of the places in our communities that bring us together and make Canada home. By providing support to renovate, expand and improve cultural and regional infrastructure, we will ensure these spaces will continue to be enjoyed by Canadians for years to come. It is a time to celebrate the places that make our communities feel like home – community centres, parks and arenas – where families can play together, where neighbours can meet, and where Canadians can celebrate the many cultures that make Canada so diverse.”
The deadline for submission is June 24 this year and the project must be substantially completed by March 31, 2018.
– Photo credit: Google Maps
