New arena opens on partial occupancy permit

Lindsay Pratt, centre, accepts a $5,000 donation from John Murray, left, and Scott Czynski. Murray and Czynski, who work for John Murray Architectural Associates, presented the donation to Pratt Dec. 12. This money will be used to finish work on the new arena.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

A partial occupancy permit has been issued for the new Gordon Buchanan Rec Centre, clearing the way for hockey teams, figure skaters and others to use it. In recent weeks, inspectors verified that the sprinkler system and fire alarm system are working properly. Red Deere-based John Murray Architectural Associates, the firm that designed the new arena, conducted its own inspections. Deputy Fire Chief John McDermott conducted an inspection as well. In addition, Greg Wolf of Superior Safety Codes in Grande Prairie inspected the entries and exits, and made sure that construction zones are blocked off, and so on. Wolf received the other inspectors’ reports and evaluated them before issuing the partial occupancy permit. Arena patrons will have to make do with standing around the perimeter of the rink for the time being. The mezzanine remains off limits until mid-January at the earliest because the exit doors and the glass for the fencing along the edges have not arrived. Fire alarms must be installed up there, too. The mezzanine will handle approximately 200 people when it opens. Two dressing rooms are available for use now, while the other two are 90 per cent complete, says Lindsay Pratt, a member of the High Prairie and District Sports Complex Society. However, partitions for the toilet stalls in the public washroom are on backorder until January. Speakers are installed in the rafters, and the sound system is working. Pratt is happy that the new arena is now open, but he notes that a lot of work remains. “We’re so close, and yet there’s so much to do,” says Pratt, adding that the staff is working hard to finish the work Pratt emphasizes that the new arena will be used for overflow capacity, and the Sports Palace will continue to be the primary facility for major events. On Dec. 12, he accepted a $5,000 donation from John Murray Architectural Associates. He says this money will be used to finish work in the new arena.

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