Named after the man who served as Mayor of Arnprior from 1974 to 1980, the Nick Smith Centre has served as the community’s Recreational Hub since its formal opening in 1978.
A long overdue major refurbishment, centering around replacement and updating of the two arenas and associated amenities is underway.
Work began with a “ground breaking” at the Glenn Arthur Rink Friday February 14th, and the Bert Hall Arena will be taken out of service shortly (this coming Sunday, March 16th), according to Arnprior Recreation Director Graeme Ivory.
The off-season repairs will mean no “summer ice” at the facility in 2025.
The town’s Junior and Senior squads- the Packers and Rivermen, as well as minor hockey and ringette can lace up and use the Glenn Arthur Arena until the ice ice back in at the Bert Hall arena in October.
Ivory says antiquated materials are being replaced.
He’s technically wrong that no one will see the work, as the Town is posting video of the progress on its website.
There’s already been some cost-recovery involved- the Glenn Arthur rink boards were sold as a lot on the government deals website recently for almost 14 thousand dollars, and Admaston-Bromley has spoken for the Bert Hall rink boards, for which it will pay 15k.
As well, the Recreation Director expects the project will qualify for Provincial funding announced in the pre-election period that has yet to be fleshed out.
By Rick Stow
