After three years of renovations the Bill Hunter Arena in west Edmonton re-opened to the public Saturday, with many impressed with the buildings new features.

The newly renovated building located on 163rd Street near 92 Avenue boasts six new dressing rooms, a bigger lobby, a new concession and new environmentally friendly lighting.

"I just have to say the openness, the light, the second-level viewing, the new lights on the ice surface itself, just invite people to come out and see it," said city councillor Linda Sloan.

One person who attended the re-opening found himself experiencing a little déjà vu. Bob Gleason, 85, who was actually at the original opening of the Bill Hunter Arena says he likes the improvements.

"It's an incredible looking building compared to the establishment we had," said Gleason.

While many are impressed with the structure, others have been critical of the budget.

The original budget for the project was $4 million, but the actual price tag ended up being $5.8 million.

The city says project went over budget because of higher than expected construction costs, which were originally forecasted in 2006, and an alleged problem with the first contractor hired to do the job.

"There was some re-work that had to be done at one point in time and just the cost of increase of construction. In 2007 and 2008 prices really increased significantly," said the City of Edmonton Manager of Buildings Design and Construction, Chris Ward.

The first contractor allegedly did not complete the job to standards and the city eventually hired a second contractor to complete the arena.

In the past the city has expressed a desire to seek legal action against the first contractor to recoup some of the costs, but this has not been confirmed.

"The city will be taking some recourse along those lines," said Ward. "Where that's sitting I can't comment on."

Councillor Karen Leibovici echoed those comments, saying she doesn't have detials on how the city will handle the situation.

"With regards to who's responsible, I honestly don't know," said Leibovici. "I know that they have been in discussions with the former contractor."

The arena renovation began three years ago and its completion has the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association excited to finally start using it. The organization had been dealing with a lack of ice time, forcing teams to juggle their schedules at various rinks and at all hours of the day.