The City of Spruce Grove has released plans for a new recreation and convention centre – one that is expected to include an arena with space for thousands.
On Monday night, Spruce Grove officials unveiled an ambitious plan for a facility that would include two sheets of ice, but also provide seating for 5,300 people.
“Anytime you have an opportunity to get into something more modern seats, and those types of things, it’s exciting for us,” Chad Hohmann with the Spruce Grove Saints said.
Christy Rake, the president of the Spruce Grove Minor Hockey Association said more ice in the area is desperately needed.
“[Between] 5 to 9 o’clock, that’s the biggest crunch,” Rake said.
Rake said the shortage of ice time has forced her to turn kids away. She’s grateful a new facility is in the works, but said it won’t be enough.
“That’s a long way off and we are at capacity now,” Rake said.
Mayor Stuart Houston acknowledged more ice is needed, but officials are focusing on a facility large enough to host sports tournaments, trade shows, conferences, concerts and more.
The city plans to pay for the $79 million facility without a tax increase – planning to rely on partnerships with government, private industry and municipalities. The plan also includes a loan that would be paid back using property tax revenue from the development.
With files from Nicole Weisberg
