Kamloops breaks ground on $168 million arena multiplex

With light snow fluttering down, a set of golden shovels, proving no match for nearly frozen earth Thursday morning, as work officially kicked off at the new arena multiplex project.

“I think we will see some earth being moved in the next little while here, just get some excavating done,” said Kelly Hall, Build Kamloops Committee Chair. “Come spring you will see much like you see down at the centre of the city (Performing Arts Centre) a lot more work being done here.”

The project, which includes three NHL sized rinks and one mini rink, is budgeted at $168 million and is scheduled to open in 2030. That price could be coming down already with a million dollar donation from New Afton Coeur Mining.

“Huge opportunities both at the government level and the corporate level,” said Mayor-elect Mike O’Reilly. “It’s hard for a company to invest in an idea. When you start seeing shovels in the ground, when you start seeing a building go up companies want to be a part of that, philanthropist want to be a part of that, and we expect those donations to continue to come in.”

The new sheets of ice are much needed in Kamloops, with minor hockey teams struggling to secure practice times amid growing demand.

“It might be your last year playing and you not getting the opportunity to still go out and practice with your buddies, you can only play a game on the weekend,” said Jared Aulin, Director of Player Development with KMHA. “It’s need, even in the younger world, it allows us to develop each individual and focus on the fun aspect.”

From the current generation.

“She might not know much about hockey get, she might simply just want to try something knew or play alongside her friends. But this could be where she discovers her confidence, finds her community and realizes she is capable of more than she ever imagined,” said Kendra Woodland, PWHL goaltender for the Ottawa Charge.

To the next.

“We are proud to be trailblazers with female hockey in Kamloops and we are just getting started,” added a young nine year-old KMHA players

The future of women’s hockey is bright, and a new home in Kamloops will be critical in growing the game.

“It’s going to get to the point where it’s tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, and we want to be able to provide for that,” said Aulin. “And I think that’s exciting, it’s fun to see the girls out there wanting to chase a dream and having the opportunity to pursue a goal of the PWHL or college or any of that stuff.”

Now the long wait begins, with the multiplex not expected to open until 2030.

“It’s kind of like waiting for Santa, you know it’s coming and you just can’t wait for that day to come,” added Aulin.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops breaks ground on $168 million arena multiplex

Our Community