The Town of Halton Hills Continue Their Search for a Solution to the Arena Needs

During the past week, a six person Halton Hills delegation, namely Councillor Bryan Lewis (Chair of the Georgetown Arena Task Force); Mayor Rick Bonnette (Vice-Chair of the GATF); Terry Alyman (Halton Hills Director of Recreation and Parks); John Archibald (Halton Hills Facility Supervisor – Arenas); Carson Mininch (President of Georgetown Minor Hockey Association) and Dave Eagan (President of Acton Minor Hockey Association) traveled to Alberta to witness an arena manufacturing headquarters and to see if a pre-engineered arena solution would work and meet our ice and arena user’s needs.

Mayor Rick Bonnette said: “It is important that we (Halton Hills) do our due diligence and see first hand, such structures for ourselves, thus the merit for a quick, yet informative trip.”

A tour of the unique office structure and manufacturing facilities was first on the busy agenda. The moment we walked in the door, we were greeted by the Director of First Impressions – and the building itself was impressive. Meeting with Business Associates, from design/engineering staff, Regional Managers and President was a significant part of the Research Tour. This allowed the Halton Hills Delegation to see, first hand, the manufacturing process and discuss in detail, the needs of Halton Hills.

The Group then left to view a two-rink complex (with an attached gymnasium of similar design) which had recently been constructed.

The Arena portion of the complex contained two ice surfaces, eight (plus) large dressing rooms (the Group was always mindful of the GATF suggestion of in-arena needs and dimensions) along with impressive arena amenities. (E.g. Storage; refrigeration room; heating and air-conditioning functions)

This structure is built of an aluminum substructure, covered with a 20 year guaranteed architectural membrane. It is insulated to an R30 factor with a formaldehyde-free insulation along with air-conditioning and humidity reduction capabilities. The builing has many LEED Standard components. The cost of such a structure could represent a considerable savings to the Town with a significant improvement in conventional construction time.

At a subsequent meeting, the Group discussed a possible location of such a facility in Halton Hills, bringing this newly designed and manufactured arena (a first for Ontario) to the Mold-Masters and Acton arena locations.

The Group discussed the value in bringing an instant Quad-Pad feel to the current Mold-Masters and the need to twin Acton arena locations.

Both have been sited in the Georgetown Arena Task Force final summation as requirements in the future. The Group was mindful of the GATF’s ultimate desire regarding a conventional new four-rink complex and such items of dressing room size, ice surface size, warm areas and seating.

It was also acknowledged and presented to the manufacturer of the urgent need for additional ice and facilities needs for all arena users. The viewed arena also allowed for additional summer ice.

It was presented by the Touring Group that the Tour was very informative and will allow for further dialogue regarding the immediate needs and possibilites for additional arenas in Halton Hills.

Acton Minor Hockey President, Dave Eagan said: “This visit allowed the Town delegation to more clearly envision a potential solution. All ice users are being considered in finding a timely and appropriate solution to our acute shortage of available ice.”

Georgetown Minor Hockey President, Carson Mininch said: “The visit was extremely worthwhile as it allowed the Town Delegation to view and experience this type of structure under extreme weather conditions of snow and high winds nearing 100 km per hour in Alberta on the day of the visit. The design of the building allowed us to feel comfortable in this type of environment.”

“We were able to see a manufacturing facility; a completed arena complex that could possible be replicated in a timely and responsible financial manner in Halton Hills” said GATF Chair Bryan Lewis.

Further discussions will take place in Halton Hills at the appropriate time. The Town of Halton Hills is aware of other arena design and manufacturing businesses; some having made presentations before the Georgetown Arena Task Force Committee.

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