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A groundbreaking ceremony for the Northside Twin Arena project showed construction has, 10 years and eight days after the first groundbreaking ceremony, started on the long-awaited project. The two ice rinks are expected to open in Abraham’s Landing in Fall 2026.
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But once built, political and recreation leaders in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo hope the $50-million, 6,420-square-metre arena will offer relief for much-demanded ice time in the community. Each arena will have 300 seats. The building will have 10 change rooms and two referee rooms, 250 parking spots and a concession area.
“This state-of-the-art facility represents countless hours of hard work, vision and commitment from everyone involved,” said Steve Schreyer, president of the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, in a statement. “These two new ice surfaces will mean that we will be able to grow our program and get all kids on the ice.”
Mayor Sandy Bowman thanked Councillor Ken Ball for proposing the motion in March 2023 to resume construction on the arena project. Council unanimously approved resurrecting the project in July 2023.
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“The addition of two new ice surfaces in Fort McMurray is something that’s been championed and discussed in the community for many years, and we’re excited to make it a reality,” Bowman said in a statement. “This is a great example of how we can take action alongside community members to make our home a better place to live.”
The Northside Twin Arena has a history of uncertainty and bad timing. The plan was to build a $193-million complex with a library, pool, bowling alley, fitness centre, skate park and studios. Council aproved the project in July 2014 and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in September.
Council shrank the design down to the two skating rinks and a parking lot in April 2016. The project was shelved in July 2016 so council and municipal staff could focus on rebuilding after the 2016 Horse River Wildfire.
Ball said at a March 2023 meeting there are 32 different groups fighting for ice time with available indoor arenas. Limited space means minor hockey has capped registration in some divisions.
Other businesses and community groups beyond hockey have difficulty renting ice time in the community. Adding two new rinks could go beyond hockey, such as school groups or Special Olympics Wood Buffalo.
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vmcdermott@postmedia.com
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