End of an Era - Old Community Centre Arena is coming down

As part of a larger vision to transform downtown Newmarket, the Community Centre (200 Doug Duncan Drive) is scheduled to undergo significant renovations, starting with the dismantling of the arena within the next few weeks. Residents and business owners will now notice perimeter fencing surrounding the arena and south parking lot as the contractors prepare for the demolition.

“The Community Centre arena has stood the test of time and has been a pillar of our recreation community since the 1920s. The dismantling of the arena is bittersweet as it represents the end of an era, but also marks the beginning of an exciting transformation for Newmarket,” say Mayor Tony Van Bynen.

The removal of the arena is an important component of the Town’s Community Urban Space Project (CUSP) that will see the creation of an 8.4 acre urban park in the heart of downtown. Touted as an all season destination, the new park will include an open-air skating facility that converts into a summer water feature, and an outdoor performance area. The park is scheduled to open by March 31, 2011.

“As we say goodbye to the old arena, we are creating a new family space in its place,” says Regional Councillor John Taylor. “We’re excited that the new urban park will further promote downtown as a centre for the community and a key destination for cultural and recreational events,” continues Taylor.

The Community Centre itself will undergo a variety of renovations, and the Town will host a public drop-in session to allow members of the community to view the interior and exterior plans for the centre (date to be determined).

Residents should be advised that traffic flow along Doug Duncan Drive may be affected as the arena is dismantled. In addition, contractors in hazardous materials suits may be observed as asbestos tile is removed from the facility, and heavy machinery will be onsite.

The Town will continue to update the media as new information is available. A photo opportunity will also be scheduled once the demolition date is determined. To learn more about the Town’s downtown initiatives, visit http://www.newmarket.ca/en/discoverdowntown.asp, or, sign up for the Town’s new electronic newsletter – the Downtown Dish – by e-mailing downtowndish@newmarket.ca for the Town’s new electronic newsletter – the Downtown Dish