Upgrades completed at Cannington’s Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Local hockey players, figure skaters, ringette players, and other ice users are back on the ice in Cannington, following the completion of a series of major renovations, at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre.

The arena has reopened for the new season after work focused on modernizing key components of the facility's ice-making and refrigeration systems.

The improvements are intended to make the arena more efficient and reliable, and extend the life of the infrastructure which plays an important role in providing recreational opportunities for residents.

Among the largest projects was the installation of a new Low-E ceiling, designed to improve the efficiency of the ice-making system. The arena's main compressor was also replaced, while the facility's second original compressor underwent a complete overhaul.

The project also included replacing the existing condenser with a new adiabatic condenser, and a new hot water heater and associated plumbing systems to better support ice-making and maintenance operations.

The work was completed with the goal of providing a dependable facility and a high-quality ice surface for the years ahead.

"I am excited to see this important capital project be completed on time and below budget," Mayor Jubb commented. "With on-ice sports becoming increasingly more sought after, these improvements will be well used and much more efficient."

"I would like to thank council and staff for delivering yet another successful project, within the Township of Brock, which will support our users for years to come," he said.

The Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre is one of Brock's key recreational facilities, hosting a variety of ice sports and community activities throughout the season.

The completion of the Cannington work comes as renovations continue at Sunderland Arena, on schedule, with the facility expected to reopen in December.

The Sunderland project has included significant improvements to the arena, which features a 78-by-190-foot ice surface and six dressing rooms, incorporating two accessible rooms. The project is intended to modernize the facility and improve its long-term operation.

However, for Cannington residents and local organizations, the immediate focus is getting back to a full season of hockey, skating, and ringette at the newly renovated community centre.