November 14, 2010

Joe Preston, MP (Elgin-Middlesex-London) and the Hon. Steve Peters, MPP (Elgin-Middlesex-London) joined Central Elgin Council and Southwold Township Council members today in a ceremony to mark the re-opening of Port Stanley Arena following extensive renovations. The $1.5 million project includes:

• the construction of a new arena floor slab and related refrigeration equipment,
• new flooring and walls in the upstairs community hall, and
• renovations to the arena lobby that include a new elevator, stairs and entrance that improves accessibility.

While renovations were underway, the building was made safer through a new fire alarm system and upgrades to structural components of the building. The project has been funded by all three levels of government.

The Canadian and Ontario governments each provided $460,000 towards the Arena rehabilitation project for a total contribution of $920,000. The Green Lane Community Trust will be providing a $100,000 contribution and the Township of Southwold will fund $160,000. Central Elgin is funding the balance of the project cost. Aveiro Construction of Dorchester was the project contractor with AECOM providing architectural and engineering services.

An engineering audit of the Port Stanley Arena had indicated that the previous floor slab was nearing the end of its life span. Further, the old elevator was too small to meet upcoming disabled accessibility requirements.