Chatham-Kent staff are hoping to make nearly $2 million in upgrades to Wallaceburg Memorial Arena.
Jane McGee, supervisor of recreation facilities in Wallaceburg, told the Sydenham Current the proposed changes would be a big boost for the building.
“I think it would be a great asset,” McGee said. “It would certainly enhance the facility.”
The Municipality had applied for $1 million in grant funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, to cover half the cost of the upgrades.
However, they were unsuccessful in obtaining the funds.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor then put forward a successful motion to have the schematic plan completed, which was presented to council earlier this month.
Design concepts completed
Following a council direction, ROAstudio, an architecture firm in Chatham, recently completed a schematic plan for the Wallaceburg Memorial Arena
The concept was to renovate the arena to improve accessibility and make general improvements, McGee said in a report.
The scope of work in the plan, included:
– Expanding the front lobby area and building new fully accessible male/female washrooms as well as a family change room
– Installing a new elevator, modifying upstairs area to accept elevator entrance into the Jack Bachus Mezzanine and utilizing the former sports store area to house the mechanical/elevator enclosure
– Reconfiguring the dressing rooms on the west side, keeping the one furthest south and removing the other two to be replaced by a canteen area, which expands the canteen reception and service area to improve accessibility and functionality
– 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
Here are photos of the schematic design concepts included in McGee’s report:
Big benefits from potential upgrades
McGee said in her report the proposed upgrades will cost an estimated $1.9 million.
If the changes are eventually approved by council, McGee told the Sydenham Current there would be many potential benefits as a result.
“It allows freer movement in congested areas, it provides an elevator access to the upstairs, which we don’t presently have,” she said.
“So if you have any mobility issues or limitations, getting up the stairs is difficult. It would also allow for a fully accessible washroom to be incorporated.”
McGee said the upgrades would open opportunities for people to use the arena that might not have been able to in the past. She said it would create more viewing opportunities for some of the arena’s regular tenants: the Wallaceburg Lakers, Red Devils, minor hockey, figure skating, etc.
“Everyone would benefit, most definitely,” she said.
“Their spectator potential draw could be increased because we’re hoping to have an accessible viewing area… there would be a glass wall where there are windows right now. So that would enhance the viewing opportunities for everyone.”
McGee added: “And let’s face it, when you bring people from out of town into your building and you’re continually showing that you re investing in the building and you’re making upgrades and you’re keeping up with the demand and requirements of the building, people see that and they think ‘wow, progressive community, that’s nice to see.'”
Arena report coming in early 2018
McGee said Evelyn Bish, the director of community services, is expected to present a report on all 10 arenas in Chatham-Kent in the new year.
“So council can see a full picture of what’s required in upgrades in all 10 arenas,” McGee said.
The report is expected in January of 2018.
