The City of Cranbrook will celebrate the completion of the Memorial Arena’s repair work with a grand re-opening event this Saturday.
“The reconstruction of the arena’s laminate beams have been completed, and now we’re just finalizing some of the smaller projects around this,” said Trevor Thors, Cranbrook’s director of recreation and culture.
“We’re planning a recognition ceremony for all of the contractors who have taken the time away from their regular duties and jobs to complete this project on a very fast timeline.”
The repair work started after crews discovered some structural concerns in late September 2023.
The building’s wooden roof support beams were severely rotten, which posed a safety risk to anyone in the building.
When the Memorial Arena closed, it also took the neighbouring Kinsmen Arena with it, as they share an ice plant.
“Losing two out of three hockey sheets was detrimental to all of our winter operations. There was a lack of ice space for hockey and figure skating and adult user groups had to play a lot later or lost their times altogether,” said Thors. “Even little things like revenue streams to the city were down because of that lack of use.”
The free event is set for Saturday, April 27 from 3 to 10 p.m.
“We will have the mayor and dignitaries to speak to the public about the contractors at 3 p.m.,” said Thors. “After we’ve done some formal speeches, we’ll have some food available, a beer garden and we’ll have Pretty for the People playing live so you can enjoy and dance.”
Thors said there will also be an unveiling of a new addition to the arena.
“We’ve made up some history boards of the Memorial Area starting with its inception back in 1948,” said Thors. “They document the history of the changes in the facility up until the present day.”
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