Sunderland Arena renovation on track for December ice return

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SUNDERLAND: The long-awaited return of activities to the Sunderland Memorial Arena is getting closer, as the Township of Brock now anticipates ice allocations for local user groups to begin December 7th.

The major renovation project continues to make “excellent progress,” with substantial completion currently expected by the end of October, provided no further unforeseen conditions arise.

The arena, originally constructed in 1977, is undergoing one of the largest capital projects undertaken, by the Township, in many years. The renovation was initially expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months, but work on the aging facility has uncovered several unexpected conditions and opportunities to make additional long-term improvements.

“Renovating a building [which] has been serving the community since 1977 is a significant undertaking, and we knew there would be challenges along the way,” said Brock Mayor Mike Jubb. “What is important is, we are taking the opportunity to do the job properly and make improvements [which] will ensure the Sunderland Memorial Arena continues to serve our community for decades to come.”

Among the work completed or underway is the relocation of an existing hydro pole and reconnection of services, to accommodate a new dressing room addition, as well as construction of a new pre-engineered steel extension, connecting to the existing facility.

Additional structural steel beams and columns have also been installed, to support the second-floor kitchen and washrooms, following changes to the main-floor layout and the creation of new washroom facilities.

The project has also included upgrades to the sewage system and other underground infrastructure, as well as improvements to the watermain connection, enhancing fire protection capabilities and domestic water supply throughout the arena.

Township communications director, Tamra Kaiser told The Standard, the municipality has also used the arena's closure as an opportunity to accelerate improvements which had originally been planned for future capital budgets in 2028 and 2029.

Those improvements include: a new roof over the new ice surface, a new rooftop HVAC system and a new, more efficient furnace unit.

“By completing some of this work while the facility is already closed, we're able to avoid having to disrupt arena operations and user groups again, in just a few years,” added Mayor Jubb. “It's a significant investment, but it's an investment in the future of Sunderland and the surrounding community.”

For local families, who have spent years at the arena, the anticipated December reopening cannot come soon enough.

Jake Taylor, whose children are involved in both ringette and hockey, said, the Sunderland Memorial Arena has been an important part of his family's life. The facility has also provided a place for local children to gather informally for shinny hockey.

“It's more than just a place to play organized hockey or ringette,” Mr. Taylor explained. “The arena is where kids make friends, families spend time together, and the community comes together. My kids have spent countless hours there, whether it's for practices, games, or just public skating with their friends.”

Mr. Taylor said, the prospect of returning to the renovated facility has generated excitement among local families.

“We're really looking forward to seeing the finished arena and getting back on the ice,” he said. “It's been a long wait, but knowing the kids will have a modern facility, to play in for many years to come, makes it worthwhile.”

With substantial construction expected to be completed by the end of October, the Township has set aside four to five weeks, in November, for critical post-construction work.

That period will include staff training on the arena's new ice plant equipment, installation of the ice, and completion of remaining finishing touches.

Ice allocation for local user groups is expected to begin December 7th, marking, what officials describe as, a new chapter for the Sunderland Memorial Arena.

Township staff have continued to work closely with the Sunderland Lions, throughout the project, on status updates and assessment needs. They are also working together on plans for a grand opening celebration, to be held before ice usage begins, with details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“On behalf of Council, I want to thank the residents, families, user groups, Sunderland Lions and everyone involved for their patience and support,” Mayor Jubb noted. “We know how important this facility is to the community, and we're excited to see the doors open and the ice ready for our local players.”

Mr. Taylor said, the renovated arena will continue to be an important gathering place for a new generation of Sunderland-area families.

“Kids need places like this,” he said. “Having a rink in the community gives them a place to play, compete, and be part of something. We're excited to see the arena come back and to watch the next generation of kids make their own memories there.”

Project highlights and construction photos are available at the Township of Brock's Sunderland Memorial Arena project webpage.