The Ontario government is putting $2 million into upgrading Delaney Arena in Thunder Bay, funding repairs and improvements for the aging facility through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
This investment aims to strengthen community infrastructure, enhance access to recreation, and promote sport tourism in northern Ontario.
The province indicates that the City of Thunder Bay will use this funding for repairs and upgrades like replacing the rink slab, ice plant, dasher boards, scoreboard, spectator seating, heating units, and floors.
This work is expected to help the arena accommodate more visitors, host larger sporting events, and boost safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
Delaney Arena has had previous upgrades in recent years focused on improving accessibility and extending its lifespan.
“Thunder Bay can provide a safe and accessible space for residents to gather and participate in sports, helping to enhance quality of life in the community,” said Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, George Pirie.
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Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie says the provincial funding will help enhance quality of life in Thunder Bay. (Sarah Law/CBC)
Kelvin Jankowski, manager of capital facilities construction with the city, notes that the building has been around since 1967 and has faced problems such as “flooding issues at the front, issues on the stands,” along with “general renewal of the building itself.”
The project will be completed in phases. Jankowski mentioned that phase one included work on the ice floor and boards.
“Phase 2 will consist of an expansion of the vestibule area to alleviate some flooding,(and) renewal of some flooring,” Jankowski said.
“The final piece of the ice plant will get us to a 25-year renewal cycle for this building. Stands and heaters will be renewed this year.”
Jankowski mentioned that construction is expected to take about a year with work spread across seasons.
“We’ll do a portion of it this summer and then finish up next spring,” he said.
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Kelvin Jankowski is the manager of capital facilities construction with the city. He says Delaney Arena has faced many structural issues. (Sarah Law/CBC)
“But we do expect that users will come in this fall and they’ll have new vestibule space, updated flooring area, and new stands along with heaters.”
I played hockey here when I was young myself,” he shared.“So being back here brings back those memories; making today’s investment means families can create great memories here for years.” Keeps infrastructure maintenance essential. “It’s much cheaper maintaining them than completely replacing them,” he noted.
Aging arenas across Thunder Bay
This investment comes as Thunder Bay assesses its aging arena infrastructure since many facilities are over 50 years old needing repair or replacement. “Some can be reinvested into while others may need complete replacement. We’re currently going through that process,” he explained while noting a renewal plan should be ready within a year. “We have a long way to go to get these arenas back into shape for future generations,” he added. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland believes this investment ensures that Delaney continues serving its community well.Pirate wordsI played hockey here when I was young myself,” he shared.“So being back here brings back those memories; making today’s investment means families can create great memories here for years.” Keeps infrastructure maintenance essential. “It’s much cheaper maintaining them than completely replacing them,” he noted.
