Fernie Memorial Arena will reopen in time for Saturday’s game against East Kootenay rivals, the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Ghostriders President Barb Anderson made the announcement via email about midday Tuesday.
“The Fernie Ghostriders would like to thank the City of Fernie and (contractor) Tyee for making this happen,” she said.
LOOK BACK: Lead paint could delay reopening of Fernie Memorial Arena
“Come out and make some noise.”
Puck drop will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 1.
News of the reopening has come as a relief to user groups, who were recently told by the City that it was unlikely the rink would be ready in time.
The arena has been closed since early November to allow for roof truss repairs.
The repairs, valued at more than $250,000, were going as planned until the discovery of lead paint, which forced contractor Tyee Log and Timber to stop work for three days and threatened to delay the reopening of the arena.
LOOK BACK: Fernie Memorial Arena unlikely to reopen December 1
In a press release issued Tuesday, the City said it has received notice from the contractor that the roof truss repairs have been expedited and the arena will reopen on Saturday for the previously scheduled Ghostriders home game.
“The City of Fernie is excited to have the Fernie Memorial Arena opening on December 1 for the Ghostriders game,” said Marta Proctor, Director of Community Services.
“We thank the community and user groups for their patience during the construction process. We also would like to extend thanks to our contractor Tyee Log and Timber for their efforts in expediting this work. We look forward to a great winter season.”
The City of Fernie will work with user groups to assist with scheduling going forward.
