Richmond County weighs repairing aging arena, building new facility — or both
Nova Scotia’s Richmond County is currently facing a decision on whether to replace, repair, or do both for its aging Richmond Arena located outside Louisdale. The municipality is contemplating the construction of a new multi-use facility adjacent to the existing arena, with a projected cost of $43 million as per a feasibility study adopted by the municipal council. Concurrently, Richmond County officials are also evaluating the costs associated with addressing refrigeration issues and other concerns with the current ice surface.
Recent problems with the pumping system beneath the Richmond Arena’s ice surface have resulted in day-long shutdowns, leading to the cancellation of events like high school hockey games. Rob MacDonald, vice-principal of Richmond Education Centre and Academy, acknowledges the challenges faced by the older rink but commends the efforts to keep it operational. He emphasizes the importance of having multiple ice surfaces to cater to the needs of various community events.
The proposed multi-use facility, as outlined in the feasibility study conducted by Architecture49, would include an NHL-size ice surface. MacDonald expresses optimism that Richmond County will continue to have an arena, whether through repairing the existing facility or constructing a new one. The potential facility is envisioned to feature amenities such as a walking track, change rooms, a gymnasium, and a hospitality suite.
County warden Lois Landry believes that the ongoing investigation into the Richmond Arena will inform the decision-making process regarding investments in a new facility. Community consultations are being conducted to gather input on the multi-use facility concept, with concerns raised about the projected costs and the absence of a public pool in the plans. Despite warnings about potential annual losses in the facility’s initial years of operation, Landry encourages residents to consider the overall benefits of the project.
In terms of funding, Richmond County intends to seek financial support from the federal and provincial governments, similar to other construction projects in Nova Scotia. The decision on whether to replace, repair, or both the Richmond Arena will have significant implications for the community, impacting the availability of ice surfaces for various recreational and sporting activities. As discussions continue, residents and officials are working towards a solution that meets the needs of the county while ensuring responsible financial management.
