Orillia invests $12.4 million to upgrade one of its oldest buildings
The City of Orillia plans to extend the life of one of its oldest buildings with a $12.4 million renovation project.
The Brian Orser Arena on Gill Street was initially called the Twin Lakes Arena when it was built in 1974, and according to the City, it's in need of some improvements..
"It's important to be able to have our community come together and, you know, mutually experience something that is going to be positive for the community," says Chris Mercer, who spent part of the day playing his guitar in the city's downtown.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Paul Barnetson has run the arena for almost 30 years and says the building and many like it are a big part of the community.
"They are a gathering point for families to come together, and the kids come together; it's ingrained in them. They grow up in these buildings, and then they come back," says Barnetson.
The renovation project is expected to begin this summer.
"We'll be looking specifically at replacing the ice pad and the refrigeration system, the bench, the bleachers, updates to the change rooms, the exterior of the facility, and roofing improvements, all to be completed with energy-efficient options," says Roger Young with the City of Orillia.
When the work begins, the city will have just two rinks for user groups. All teams using the Brian Orser rink will be moved to the Rotary Place arena.
Hockey, figure skating and lacrosse groups are preparing for the short-term move.
"It's going to continue to provide a spot for kids to go and be able to use it for all sorts of sports, not just hockey, figure skating, and lacrosse, but let's spend it," says Christy Scheffel with Orillia Lacrosse.
The City approved the multi-million-dollar renovation project as part of the 2024 Capital Budget.
After the extensive upgrades are completed, the City expects the Brian Orser Arena's lifespan will increase by roughly 25 years.
Staff hope to have the arena operational for the 2025-26 season.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.
WATCH Avian flu: Risk to humans grows as outbreaks spread, warns expert
H5N1 or avian flu is decimating wildlife around the world and is now spreading among cattle in the United States, sparking concerns about 'pandemic potential' for humans. Now a health expert is urging Canada to scale up surveillance north of the border.