The Town of Renfrew hopes to see the newly renovated Ma-te-Way facility open on New Year’s Eve (2022).
Recreation Director Kevin Hill provided a verbal update to council Tuesday night (January 25th, 2022).
The renovations at Ma-te-Way were expected to be complete late in October, but Hill says they’re now looking at a December 31st, 2022 grand opening event for the community.
He says the new arena is nearing completion and passed the first series of testing last week.
He says excavation, rebar, footings and foundation are well underway.
Plans are to build a 76, 500 square foot facility next to the current arena in Ma-te-Way Park.
The expansion includes an Indigenous Cultural Centre, an NHL sized ice surface, an elevated walking track, fitness centre, regulation sized gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, Parks, Recreation and Facilities administrative offices and lease space.
Hill told members of council crews are working to keep the concrete heated during the cold.
Concerns were raised about supply and price increases.
The Recreation Director for the Town of Renfrew said the project is roughly $800,000 over budget.
The federal government is contributing over $6.4 million towards this project, the province of Ontario is investing $5.3-million with another $4.2-million coming from the Town of Renfrew.
Hill told council staff are trying to put together a deal this week that if price increase is going to be a factor, they might order items and store them until needed for install.
A full report is expected to be provided to a future meeting of council.