Skating on new ice
By Chris Simon

Innisfil parks and recreation manager Robert Browne sits in one of the seats at Rink A in the town's new recreation centre. The rink opened to the public last week, as part of the building's first phase.

After nearly three months in delays, the Innisfil Recreation Centre's large ice rink will officially open this week.

Construction crews were busy installing signs and drywall, and adding last minute touches to the rink, which is part of the centre's first phase. Inspectors have also been touring the rink area, to make sure sprinklers, fire alarms, exits, washrooms and other standard and emergency equipment work. The first phase of the project - which includes the arena portion of the complex - was originally scheduled to open in August, with the remaining section planned for completion in November. However, a Roofers Union strike caused about two months in construction delays. Site engineers also had difficulty purchasing certain materials like steel from suppliers.

Together, the problems created about three months in delays, pushing the opening of the centre's large ice rink to this week, while the remaining portion of the first phase is expected to open soon, said parks and recreation manager Robert Browne.

Crews install drywall and add the finishing touches onto Rink A at the Innisfil Recreation Centre last week. The rink opened to the public last week, as part of the first phase of the project.

"It's been frustrating, no question, but we're getting closer now. Each little completion is a victory," he said, standing in the new arena, overlooking a glazed white ice surface. "We've got the dehumidification systems and heat in the dressing rooms working, that's a victory. We're hoping to pour the (concrete) lobby in the next week, but it's a fairly complicated pour."

The entire complex, including the outdoor sports fields, is now expected to open sometime next spring. However, no specific date has been decided on, said Browne.

"We'll keep using this rink, get the next rink online and keep going from there," he said. "I don't want to pick a date at this point, we've got to get a little further along."

Once finished, the recreation centre will feature a twin-pad arena, aquatics facility, gymnasium, fitness room, and community space. It is located on Innisfil Beach Road, near the South Simcoe Police North Division Office and the new Town Hall administration building.

Browne says people must remain patient during the construction process.

"(Hockey players and parents) are frustrated, and we understand that. It'll be easier for everybody once we get this place open," he said. "We're doing our best to get this open. They're not coming in here until we're ready. I can't wait to have somebody out here skating."

The rink should be bustling with skaters, once it opens.

"We've got some schedules made up, but until we kick them in, we're double counting (our bookings)," he said. "As soon as we give the signal, we've got groups that have requests for more ice time; some of which we haven't been able to give them any, some are only getting a portion of what they've asked for. As soon as we get the additional ice pad, they'll be trying to confirm those times."

Construction on the $10 million administration building is expected to be completed early next year.

The administration and recreation centres will be linked by an internal road network.

The town hall will have several upgrades over the current administration building. It will include handicap accessible council chambers with a 150 seat public gallery, three community meeting rooms, and a customer service centre near the front entrance. The third floor of the building will contain 1,000 square feet of extra space, which could be leased out to private business owners until the town needs to expand its offices.