Work is well underway on much needed upgrades to Brian Orser Arena, and city staff say the aging facility will be fully updated by the 2025-26 ice season.
Approved by city council last year, the $12.4-million renovation project is expected to add 20-25 years of life to the 50-year-old Gill Street arena.
Since the project began in June, extensive work has been carried out on the interior and exterior of the facility, with roof replacement, extensions of the building’s facade, removal of the concrete rink floor, and much more currently underway.
Arena boards and bleachers have been removed, and demolition has taken place to make way for the upgrades, which also include new plumbing and electrical system upgrades, and new doors through the facility.
In 2025, a new concrete rink floor, air-based refrigeration system, and poured concrete floor will be installed, as well as cosmetic upgrades like new boards, players’ boxes and bleachers slated for the rink as well.
City staff say the project is currently on schedule and should be completed during next year’s ice season.
