FAQs

All options require significant investment. A roof replacement would cost several million dollars; however, the community would not receive any additional amenities or spaces that could improve year-round recreation options or attract events and tourism.  The roof replacement would also only extend the life of the arena and ongoing investments would be required in the 60-year-old facility. 

It's felt that if a multi-million-dollar investment is being made, there is greater community benefit to exploring a new facility that will provide another 50 years of service. Planning now will position the City for potential grants that would reduce the cost to City taxpayers. 

Inflation and the cost of construction continue to rise, driving up costs. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The cost of a new arena could be funded through a combination of: City infrastructure reserves + Borrowing + External grants or partnerships. Taxation increases to fund a new facility would be phased in over multiple years to help make the increase more manageable for taxpayers.

The City has land that could be considered for a new arena. A new arena could potentially be built while the existing arena is still open, preventing loss of a winter season. If a roof replacement was completed on the existing arena, it would likely take one year of which sports activities would need to be paused.

Each arena is designed based on different amenities and under varying construction conditions, so there are rarely any “apples to apples” comparisons, however there are several BC communities that are currently building new arenas. Here are some examples: 

CLOVERDALE SPORT & ICE COMPLEX ($50 million - 2022)

Features:

• 95,000 sq. ft 
• two NHL-sized ice rinks
• seating for 200 spectators per sheet
• dressing rooms
• meeting rooms, multi-purpose and community rooms

BURNABY – ROSEMARY BROWN ARENA ($50 million- 2022)

Features:

• two NHL-sized rinks
• a skate shop
• a concession
• dressing rooms
• meeting rooms and multi-purpose rooms
• warm-side arena viewing
• an outdoor rooftop patio
• universal gender-neutral washrooms

QUESNEL - WEST FRASER CENTRE QUESNEL ($20.6 million - 2017)

Features:

60,000 sq. ft

• NHL-sized ice rink
• 1300+ spectator seats
• walking concourse
• concession
• dressing rooms
• meeting rooms and multi-purpose rooms
• office space

MAPLE RIDGE PLANET ICE EXPANSION ($25 million - 2022)

Features: 

• 35,000 sq ft. 
• NHL-size ice rink
• Upgraded lobby and public space
• New change rooms and upgrades to existing change rooms
• Offices
• Meeting space
• Fitness space
• Second level viewing area 

The City wants to hear from the community about what is important to them. 

Respondents to the recent Parks and Recreation Master Plan consultation process indicated the arena is the top priority for facility improvement and a multi-sport complex should be explored.  This first phase of public consultation will help determine what is important to the community when developing options for the future.  

Attend an open house on May 4, 2023, from 4 p.m. – 7p.m. to learn more and ask staff questions. You can also participate in a tour of the arena to better understand the current amenities and condition. If you have a specific question, submit it here.

Staff did consider this option, however, for a couple of reasons, this is not a recommended option. 

The City has received engineering assessments for over 10 years that have shown ongoing deterioration.  While, in principle, we may be able to perform required repairs, the roof has now deteriorated to a point that engineers recommend it be replaced.  

The costs associated with the repair work are likely to be as high as the roof replacement costs.