By Troy Gillard

project fast-tracked

Blackfalds to start new arena, library next year

Jul 3, 2019 | 10:42 AM

A competitive construction market has persuaded the Town of Blackfalds to move up plans to expand its Multi-plex Arena and build a new library.

The $15 million multiplex expansion and $5 million new library had been scheduled for 2021-22 and 2024.

However, town council voted unanimously at their June 25 meeting to move the start dates ahead to 2020 after being told doing so would save the Town a significant amount of money.

The Multi-Plex Arena expansion project is well underway with planning moving from conceptual design to final design. A 12,000 square foot library facility has also been included in the design work to date.

A second open house for the project is planned for September.

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In his report to council, CAO Myron Thompson noted the possibility of an Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) team playing in Blackfalds as early as the 2021-22 season.

“An owner, whom Administration has been working with over the past number of months, is well situated to finalize acquisition of a team for relocation to Blackfalds,” Thompson wrote in his report. “Process for purchasing of the team is in the final stages and discussions have taken place with the league seeking a 2-year hiatus for the team that will be brought here anticipating that the arena complex would be available.”

Thompson noted the prospective owner does not wish to play in the existing arena, preferring instead to wait for the new one which would provide more seating and make for a better fiscal situation.

The project is now scheduled to go out for tender in January. Construction would then begin in March and take about 12 months to complete. Two months would be allowed for facility break-in before programming starts up in August 2021.