See "Renovation Updates" for the latest news!
The Ilderton Arena opened 52 years ago for the single purpose of providing hockey and skating. Now a major community hub, the building is showing its age and is in need of renovations to continue providing services to residents.
Middlesex Centre is undertaking renovations with the goals of:
- extending the Ilderton Arena's lifespan for 10-12 years (at which time the municipality will look to replace the facility with a twin pad facility),
- ensuring a high level of accessibility,
- improving energy efficiency, and
- providing a high level of safety and service for both participants and spectators.
The project is just getting underway, having been approved by Council at their April 3, 2024, meeting (full report). We will be sharing more information on this page as designs, drawings, and other details are available.
- Planned Renovations
The renovations are broken down into the four categories.
Category 1 – Upgrades to the Refrigeration Plant & Electrical
The proposed retrofit calls for upgrades to the refrigeration plant to significantly reduce energy use. Upgrading the refrigeration plant and its equipment will prolong the life of the facility and ensure ice operations can be maintained efficiently and effectively for the next 10-12 years while also remaining legislatively compliant with the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA). The construction of a vestibule outside of the refrigeration plant room will need to be constructed as part of the TSSA compliance. Many of the existing electrical services are original to the building and are recommended to be replaced.
Category 2 – Improved Player Safety
To improve safety within the Ilderton Arena, the proposed retrofit calls for replacing the existing dasher board and glass system with new. The new rink board/glass system will have taller rink glass that will enhance the environmental friendliness and safety of the ice surface for spectators and participants. Currently the rink boards are over 30 years old and are built with a steel frame and plywood covering, with no give or flexibility when participants run into the boards. The new rink boards will be an aluminum framed system with high density plastic covering. This type of rink board system will allow for some ‘give’ when participants hit the boards. Taller shielding (rink glass) will also be installed to provide additional safety to participants by keeping pucks within the playing area of the rink. In conjunction with spectator netting this will ensure that all spectators are safe from pucks that may leave the playing surface.
At this time we have not determined if the old rink boards will be used for other projects within the municipality. If they are no longer needed, they will be sold at auction as per the municipal procurement policy.
Category 3 – Upgrade Spectator Area
The proposed retrofit will also focus on improvements to the spectator area of the facility. Work is expected to include the installation of radiant tube heaters along the entire bleacher length, upgraded spectator benches, beam painting, extension of the ‘Low Emissivity Ceiling,’ installation of bleacher railings and a full rink paint refresh.
Category 4 – Renovated Lobby, Dressing Rooms, and Improved Accessibility
The proposed retrofit calls for some significant upgrades to better accessibility for all users of the facility. The following enhancements are identified to be made:
- Renovations to the lobby and viewing area;
- New entrance/vestibule with sliding doors;
- New universal washroom;
- New men’s and ladies’ washrooms with accessible enhancements installed in each washroom; and
- Renovation to existing dressing rooms.
All these changes will strive to remove barriers for people with disabilities allowing all people to enjoy their time spent at the Ilderton Arena either as a spectator or participant. They will also ensure that the facility meets the criteria identified in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). It is worth noting that not only will the improved accessible enhancements benefit the winter ice sport users of the facility, but will also serve to improve the experience for all the summer and special events that the Ilderton Arena plays host to such as the Annual Fall Fair, numerous fundraising events hosted by local service clubs, and the Boys and Girls Club summer camp.
- Project Budget & Funding
Over the past five years, staff have applied for three different provincial/federal grants to offset the cost of renovation. Unfortunately none met with success. Given the age of the building and the nature of the repairs needed, Council approved moving forward with renovations using funds from the Buildings and Facilities Reserve Fund.
The total project budget has been identified at $4,000,000. Funds were approved in the 2024 municipal budget. Staff sought additional grant funding to offset costs.
Budget Breakdown by Renovation Category Cost Category 1 – Upgrades to Refrigeration Plant & Electrical $1,300,000 Category 2 – Improved Player Safety $385,200 Category 3 – Upgrade Spectator Area $154,800 Category 4 – Renovated Lobby, Dressing Rooms & Accessibility $2,000,000 Architectural (based at 8% of Category 4 project costs) $160,000 Total Costs $4,000,000 Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
- Proposed Project Timeline
Work is being planned to avoid disruption to the skating season. The following timeline will be refined as the project progresses:
- April 2024: Issue RFP for Architectural/Engineering.
- May-August 2024: Detailed design for lobby/dressing rooms along with work that can be completed this summer.
- August 2024 to March 2025: Procurement of labour/materials.
- April 2025: Construction Begins.
- August 2025: Substantial Completion.
Some projects may be completed earlier if timing and budget allows.
- Renovation Updates
July 23, 2025: The new rink boards and glass, designed for enhanced player safety, are going in!
July 3, 2025: Middlesex Centre received $1 million in funding from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (Government of Ontario).
April 7, 2025: The Ilderton Arena is currently closed to the public to allow for renovations and upgrades.
Feb. 21, 2025: As work on the project design continues, we have a few new rendered images to share.
Nov. 28, 2024: The design for the renovation of the lobby and other areas of the arena has been modified. The latest version is available at the bottom of this page.
Sept. 27, 2024: The design for the renovation of the lobby is now available (subject to change). The design was developed in consultation with major arena user groups and features:
- Access and Entrance: Front entrance vestibule with doors leading onto sidewalks will allow for less walking around vehicles. Lobby is being opened up and new rink boards/glass will be fully integrated into lobby. Both the east and west lobby to rink entrances will feature sliding glass doors.
- Dressing Rooms: Arena will include five full-sized dressing rooms with each having their own washroom and shower facilities, plus a large referees' room.
- Washrooms: A new universal washroom will meet accessibility standards. New men's and ladies' washrooms will serve the growing needs of ice sports and future dry floor events.
- Additional Spaces: A multi-purpose room will serve both as a concession and a meeting room. A dedicate storage area by referees' room will house lockers for minor hockey pucks, pylons, pinnies, etc.
- Building Maintenance: The design features a dedicated staff room and janitorial room in lobby, and full-glass walls for the office.
- Energy Savings: Waste heat from the refrigeration room will be used to heat the dressing rooms and lobby, to pre-heat all domestic water for the arena, and to heat the snow melt pit.
June 27, 2024: New spectator seating has been installed and the seating area walls are getting a brand new paint job. Additionally, new LED lights have been added over top of the ice surface. New tube heaters are expected to arrive in few weeks.
- Questions
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this project as it progresses, please be in touch.
- Middlesex Centre: Scott Mairs, Director of Community Services
First posted April 3, 2024.