Nov. 1 is now the date to open new arena

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

A lot of work remains to be done on the new Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre, and the Sept. 15 opening date could not be met. However, Lindsay Pratt is optimistic that it can open by Nov. 1. “We’re doing everything in our power to get it done as quick as we can. The guys at the arena have been putting in lots of hours,” says Pratt, a member of the High Prairie and District Sports Complex Society. There have been slow-ups, or some work has taken longer than expected. For instance, there was a delay in the arrival of floor joists back in mid-summer, which “snowballed” onto other parts of construction. In addition, the dry walling for the ice plant took a week to complete, versus the expected three or four days. However, not all projects are facing delays. There has been plenty of progress in other areas. For instance, the boards that frame the rink have been installed, as has the ice resurfacing entrance. A Cochrane-based contractor was supposed to install the glass, but they have been too busy. So others involved with the project are doing the work, which will result in cost savings, Pratt adds. The funding to purchase the viewing stands has to be finalized, so temporary viewing stands will be installed at two corners of the rink. The permanent viewing stands will be installed above the dressing rooms. Work also has to be done to the dressing rooms, and Pratt explains that E.W. Pratt School is fabricating the metal brackets for the benches and hangers. In addition, Lori Matthews and Sherry Gardner have been painting the dressing rooms. Once the minimum amount of work has been done to get the second rink open, the focus will turn to getting the gymnasium finished. It’s located on the west side of the new arena. St. Andrew’s School will create murals for the north wall, but whether they’ll be for the inside or outside remains to be decided. Some equipment has to be purchased for the gymnasium.

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