ARENAS

Why this project matters

The Rod Brind’Amour Arena is a cornerstone of our community — but its core systems are reaching the end of their service life. Without major investment, the facility will face ongoing breakdowns, costly emergency repairs, and missed opportunities to serve our growing region.

The redevelopment planned through the REC-REATE project is more than just replacing aging infrastructure. It’s about building a modern, accessible, and vibrant arena experience that meets today’s needs and creates lasting benefits for future generations. The new and improved amenities in the design were guided by community consultation, reflecting the needs and priorities residents shared with us.

By investing now, we avoid escalating repair costs and instead deliver a facility designed to inspire, connect, and serve for decades to come. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide safe, inclusive spaces for athletes and fans, integrate new community amenities like an all-weather walking track.

Planned Improvements

The design for the redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena was completed in May 2025, building on years of planning and community input. This exciting upgrade is about more than just replacing aging infrastructure — it’s about creating a modern, accessible, and vibrant arena experience for everyone.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Seamless connections: Improved circulation throughout the building, with direct ties into the new “Social Heart” being delivered in Phase One. This means easier movement between the pool, wellness spaces, and arena.
New warm viewing area with platform: A bright, comfortable space where spectators can enjoy the action from a better vantage point — staying warm while still feeling connected to the energy on the ice.
Modern team spaces: Brand new team rooms, offices, and multipurpose spaces designed for athletes, coaches, and community groups.
Enhanced facilities: Four new dressing rooms, expanded storage, and upgraded first aid and referee rooms to meet today’s standards.
More room for fans: Increased seating to meet Junior A requirements — accommodating 2,000 spectators in total, including 1,600 seats, accessible seating, and standing room.
The big highlight — an all-weather indoor walking track: For the first time, residents will have access to a safe, year-round walking track right inside the arena. Whether it’s rainy, icy, or too hot outdoors, this track will provide a welcoming space for fitness, rehabilitation, and casual use — a feature the community has been asking for and one that will benefit people of all ages.
Expanded amenities: A larger concession, new washrooms on both levels, and a new elevator to make the arena more comfortable and accessible for everyone.

Looking Ahead

Together, these improvements transform the Rod Brind’Amour Arena into much more than a rink — it becomes a hub for sport, wellness, and community gathering. With the REC-REATE redevelopment, the arena will be ready to meet the needs of today and future generations. Without this investment, the facility will continue to age, with only piecemeal repairs to failing systems and no enhanced spaces to serve our growing community.