Options presented on future of Grafton arena
Haldimand Community Memorial Arena. By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, LJI
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
A multi-million dollar decision will have to be made by Alnwick/Haldimand Township Council on what to do with its aging arena and recreational complex.
Sierra Planning and Management were tasked earlier this year to conduct public consultations and provide options on the future use of the site in Grafton.
Three options were presented to Councillors Tuesday, which included $7.6 million renovation to replace the ice surface, mechanical and refrigeration systems as well as change rooms.
Yet public consultation suggested that a more accessible and multi-use facility was needed. Expanding the building to include a cafe, library and fitness centre is a second option.
Jonathan Hack, of Sierra Planning and Management, who completed the Needs Assessment, said it's clear that council must do something with the arena and site.
“Is this a do nothing proposition? As you will see our recommendation say you do need to do something. You don’t have to do everything. You have to do something to make some change that is within reasonable reach,” said Hack.
A third option presented was a $51 million completely new build. This would involve removing a ball diamond along county road two, relocating the cenotaph while a two-year-build would take place.
The new facility would provide for two ice pads, a gym and fitness centre, multi-use space, a library and municipal administration offices.
Hack explained to get to a new build would take approximately 10 years for planning, design and financial commitments.
“When we spoke with the Recreation Committee, there was a sense we got coming out of it, a decision had to be made of what you ultimately do. It was to start that conversation on what you can do to see a path forward to get a new facility,” explained Hack.
Council will ask staff to conduct funding models for immediate, short, medium and long-term recommendations contained in this report.
