NEWS RELEASE
CENTRE WELLINGTON
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After extensive renovations and a new name, the Jefferson Elora Community Centre is ready to re-open its doors on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The soft opening will offer dressing rooms for on-ice users, the ice surface, bleachers, the lobby and restrooms. Some amenities, such as the community hall and the score clock may not be available until January 2024.
“We are thrilled to be able to open the Jefferson Elora Community Centre earlier than anticipated," said Managing Director of Community Services, Pat Newson. “Although there are parts of the facility that will not be ready, the ability to offer ice to our Minor Sports organizations and have our adult leagues back on the ice for practices is a great benefit to the community. We want to thank the community, and most importantly our on-ice users a huge thank you for your patience and understanding during the renovation period. I can promise you; it was worth the wait!”
The extra ice that will be offered from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 will be allocated to Minor Sports organizations first, followed by adult recreation leagues. Beginning on Monday, Nov. 20, the public can request private ice bookings by emailing [email protected]
Background:
The Elora Community Centre is over 40 years old and was well beyond its expected life. The Township had an opportunity to use significant funding from the upper levels of government to assist in substantially improving the building while addressing health and safety issues, accessibility issues, and aging infrastructure upgrades. The facility closed for renovations in March 2023.
The Township received funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP): Culture and Recreation Stream – Rehabilitation and Renovation Intake funding to rehabilitate and renovate the Elora Community Centre (ECC). The federal share was $1,998,958.72, and the Provincial share was $1,665,632.35.
The scope of work included:
- Replacement of the concrete ice pad, arena boards, protective glass system, and ice-making refrigeration equipment. Retain and reuse protective netting.
- Updated the refrigeration/mechanical room and equipment for life cycle replacement while maintaining TSSA standards and best industry practices.
- Modified the building to meet AODA standards (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), including providing accessible dressing rooms, an accessible area for viewing the ice surface, accessible washrooms, entrances, and doors.
- Renovated the lobby for improved customer service and traffic flow.
For more information on the project, and to follow along with the renovation process, please visit www.connectcw.ca
To book ice for private use, members of the public can email [email protected] beginning on Monday, November 20.
A grand opening to celebrate the project will take place in early 2024.
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