ELORA – Taxpayers in the audience were pleased to hear the renovation at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre was completed on time and on budget.
But the kids who attended the grand re-opening of the facility on Jan. 5 were most pleased to hear that speeches were over and it was time to lace up their skates and get on the ice.
The lobby area of the building was jammed when speeches began.
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Lewis brought greetings from the federal government and noted the $2 million contribution the feds made to the project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
The provincial Minister of Infrastructure parliamentary assistant Amarjot Sandhu noted the province had contributed $1.6 million to the project through the same fund.
The township kicked in about $1.8 million, bringing the total price tag for the project to $5.4 million.
The arena project came to council during COVID-19 when construction costs started to skyrocket. Even with the federal and provincial contributions, the scale of the project was cut back to meet the budget.
Speaking at the event, senator Rob Black remembered when the brand new Elora Community Centre opened in 1976.
“Recreation centres are at the centre of healthy communities, especially rural communities,” Black said.
Mayor Shawn Watters apologized that the arena had to be closed for renovations for most of the year and he thanked staff and the previous council for initiating the project.
“We need more facilities like this,” Watters said. “As we grow we will need lots of these.”
The renovation included a new arena floor, boards and glass, a new mechanical room and refrigeration equipment, a new front entrance, accessible lobby and viewing area, and accessible dressing rooms.
Managing director of community services Pat Newson said the parking lot will be repaved in the spring, an emergency generator will be installed, there’s a little work to be done on the washrooms still, and the adjoining community hall will open mid-month.
The arena has been unofficially open for a few weeks, with as many as 200 skaters a day attending over the Christmas break.
“This is a great day,” said Watters.
