Small northern Ontario towns weigh costly arena repairs as community pressure mounts

Two small northern Ontario towns are grappling with how to preserve aging arenas at the heart of their communities, as rising costs, safety concerns and strong local support push them to act.

Powassan town council is still deciding how to proceed after structural issues at the Trout Creek Community Centre and arena forced a shut down in March. 

After an engineering report this fall questioned whether the roof of the 50-year-old arena could survive a heavy snow load this winter, temporary pillars were installed around the rink.

But the engineers have made it clear that a more permanent solution is needed. 

"I thought that this was a fix we could keep moving forward with the facility until we determine how to repair the original post columns. But our engineer has told us that, no, it was one, a one-year fix," said Mayor Peter McIsaac.

"Now we have to look at other avenues, as far as actually rehabilitating the structure."

The town of 3,300 people has issued a request for proposals to asses the damage and recommend repairs, and McIsaac said they expect to seek funding from the federal and provincial governments. 

He explained that a new arena for Trout Creek is off the table for now, with a projected cost of around $20 million. Previous estimates for immediate repairs were between $1 million and $2 million. 

"My preferred option, and I'm only one member of council, would be to rehabilitate that existing building and keep it open for the next generation to use it," McIsaac said. 

While council hasn't yet made a decision, McIsaac said residents have made it known how much the facility matters. 

"This arena is a little bit different than most ... this was built by the people of Trout Creek," he said.

"It's the parents and grandparents of the current members of Trout Creek that actually built this arena ... it's been the centre of the community for 50 plus years, and people want to keep it that way." 

Arena in Mindemoya approved for repairs

A split Central Manitoulin council vote last week approved major repairs to the J.H. Burt Memorial arena in Mindemoya, with Mayor Richard Stephens casting the tie-breaking vote. 

Initially the price tag for the renovations was $40,000. The plan was to add supports to the west wall to keep it from failing, allowing the community a few more years of use while council determined the next steps.

However, an amendment by Coun. Dale Scott proposed a new budget of $150,000 to immediately repair the wall for a more permanent solution. 

While not all councillors agreed, the motion was passed and a request for proposals will be issued in the coming months. 

"The whole west wall will be upgraded to a solid wall," said Stephens. 

"The arena is like any other arena in a small town like we have. It's kind of the centre of activities, both summer and winter. So having full facilities… and all of the building is the desired purpose of it, and we're going to make sure that happens," he added.

The Mindemoya arena remains partially open for community events, with the area near the west wall closed off for safety. 

The town plans to cover costs through a mix of internal and external loans as well as donations. 

A pancake supper fundraiser brought in $12,000 earlier this month and Stephens said community members are eager to contribute more.