Sherwood Park’s aging arena is set to undergo a significant $12 million upgrade, following a decision made by county officials. The arena, which has been in use for over 50 years, has long been in need of major repairs to address its structural, mechanical, and electrical issues.
The selected $12 million “Basic-Plus” option was chosen from a range of proposals discussed during a recent conference meeting. This plan includes essential upgrades to replace and rehabilitate the arena’s core systems, extending the facility’s lifespan by at least 15 years.
In addition to these core upgrades, the Basic-Plus option will modernize the arena’s 1960s-era washrooms, improve accessibility, and add an additional change room, bringing the total to six. This update is aimed at accommodating the potential move of the Sherwood Park Crusaders to a new Event Centre near Cambrian. The project will also involve some disruptions for community groups during construction.
The county had considered several other options:
- A $10 million Basic upgrade focused solely on essential replacements and repairs, extending the arena’s life by 15 years with some service interruptions.
- A $40 million modernization plan to improve facility accessibility and add community spaces, extending the arena’s life to over 25 years but removing high-demand arena surfaces.
- A $60 million proposal for a complete rebuild on the existing site, offering new amenities and extending the arena’s life to 50 years, with a 24-month disruption to ice users and reduced parking.
- A $70 million plan for a new facility on a different site, featuring a larger footprint and lasting up to 50 years.
