There was some fancy stick handling as work begins on Greater Vernon’s new arena.
Civic officials tried a variety of tricks with the shovels during Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Kal Tire Place expansion.
“It’s exciting,” said Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson.
“We’ve been talking about this for some time and we know Civic Arena is in rough shape. It’s another step in providing amenities for the community.”
Residents approved borrowing of $13.2 million in late 2015 to twin Kal Tire Place.
Heavy equipment is currently removing a portion of the parking lot just to the north of the existing facility.
“Things are underway and on schedule,” said Doug Ross, recreation services manager for the City of Vernon, which is overseeing the project.
It’s anticipated the 400-seat arena, which wil be owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan, will be ready for public use by early fall 2018.
During construction, visitors to Kal Tire Place are asked to use the east side entrance as the west lane will be closed.
“The farmers market has moved a little further north (on the site). We’ve been working with them and they have been co-operative,” said Ross.
Taking part in the groundbreaking Monday was Robert Foord, president of Kal Tire, which has extended its sponsorship of Kal Tire Place for another 10 years, including the new ice sheet.
“It’s a great thing for the community,” said Foord of the project.
The expansion will replace the 1938 Civic Arena, which is in poor condition for ice activities.
“We have a lot of demand for ice time,” said Cunningham.
A new parking lot along 43rd Avenue is expected to be open at Kal Tire Place within the next few weeks.
