As Cambridge’s neighbourhood arenas get older, the city has a big idea about how to replace them.
“What we want to do is build something modern … something the public is going to be proud of,” Mayor Doug Craig tells CTV News.
Formal work hasn’t begun on a major hockey arena and sports complex, but Craig says the first signs of the project may show up later this year as the city begins its 2015 budgeting process.
Land acquisition is the first step necessary.
According to Craig, 30 to 40 acres of land will be required for the project – and while no single site has been identified, multiple are under consideration.
That’s music to the ears of Chris Miranda, a hockey dad who has been lobbying the city for a new facility.
“Our hockey arenas are outdated. Their door hinges are coming off. The dressing rooms are too small,” he says.
“Centres that are much smaller than ours – Newmarket, Ayr – have beautiful, brand new facilities.”
Miranda says a new, sizable facility may be able to attract events like the Ontario Volleyball Association indoor championships away from venues like Waterloo’s RIM Park.
He envisions something that includes multiple ice rinks, running and walking space, aquatic facilities and a full-size gymnasium
Filling some of those needs, plans are in place for a new rec centre on Wesley Boulevard, southeast of Main and Dundas streets.
The city has set aside $12 million for the project, which is being undertaken along with local school boards, as public and Catholic elementary schools are also being built in the area.
“It’s going to be a gymnasium, it’s going to be a pool, it’s going to be a recreation centre combined,” says Craig.
Miranda plans to speak to councillors about the arena issue at next Monday’s council meeting.
