In Port Stanley
By CHIP MARTIN

Work has already begun on a $1.5 million refurbishing of Port Stanley arena.

A new ice slab, updated elevators and stairs along with new flooring walls and lobby renovations are included in the project at the nearly 40-year-old arena.
The work, under Ottawa’s economic action plan, is being funded by five partners.

The Canadian and Ontario governments are each providing $460,000, while Central Elgin and Southwold are putting in $320,000 apiece and Green Lane Community Trust another $100,000.

Joe Preston, the Conservative MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, said the money is being provided under a program that targets recreational facilities. He said the work is already underway and the ice surface ready in time for use in September.

“This arena a great community centre,” he said of the facility which has been seen many social functions including wedding receptions and community fundraisers.
He said the regional importance of the arena was underlined by the contributions made by Southwold and from Green Lane, which is located in Southwold.

Work has already begun on a $1.5 million refurbishing of Port Stanley arena.