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Dryden Memorial Arena’s second rink expected to be complete by October

Rink two is expected to be rink ready by October 2023 as construction continues at Dryden Memorial Arena.
dryden-memorial-arena
Dryden Memorial Arena is under construction. (Photo by City of Dryden Community Services)

DRYDEN – Construction continues at Dryden Memorial Arena as the $2.8 million two-story expansion nears its six-month mark.

According to Steve Belanger, the city's manager of community services, the project was originally slated for a May start date, but to get in front of the rising rate of inflation the project was pushed ahead to September 2022.

“The goal was for the main floor and the four new dressing rooms to be ready for use in October 2023 when ice is installed in rink 2, and that remains a target,” said Belanger  

Belanger notes that the relocation of the entry access doors was first to get installed and immediately put into service. The finishing touches, such as exterior framing, won’t be complete until the warmer weather this spring.

In the meantime, interior work commenced as the concrete foundations were poured followed by the framing of the elevator shaft and the relocation of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Belanger said that last week structural steel framing of the second rink was the main focus.    

"As one can expect, inflation spared few and the construction industry, including building materials, has certainly been affected," Belanger said. "As a result, the project's financials have been negatively affected resulting in higher than anticipated project costing.”

Belanger said the city is creatively working to manage projects costs effectively.

 



Clint Fleury

About the Author: Clint Fleury

Clint Fleury is a web reporter covering Northwestern Ontario and the Superior North regions.
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