First games at twin-pad arena planned for March 1

As Mayor Matthew Shoemaker released early photographs of the new twin-pad arena's interior on Tuesday, city officials told SooToday they're hoping to start limited use of the facility on Friday, Feb. 24.

"We're quite excited to get in," said Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services. We're in the home stretch now, which is really good to see."

"The plan right now is to have games going forward on March 1."

"I think the community's going to be pleasantly surprised once they see it. It's an impressive building," Lamming said.

The $30-million arena at 556 Goulais Ave. is a replacement for the well-beyond-its-useful-lifespan W.J. McMeeken Centre.

"I had the opportunity to check out the new twin-pad arena at the Northern Community Centre and it looks great!" the mayor posted on social media after visiting the project on Monday with the twin-pad task force.

Lamming said no date has been set for an official opening ceremony, but he expects to appear at the Feb. 21 city council meeting to recommend a date.

"We just want to make sure we have everything going smoothly before we commit to a final date."

From Feb. 24 until March 1, he says: "We're looking at potentially being able to use it for maybe practice time and getting used to the building," Lamming said.

On Tuesday, the new ice plant was being started up in preparation for staff training and inspection by TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority).

"We're not expecting any problems through that," Lamming said.

Demolition of the old McMeeken arena won't happen until spring, Lamming said.