Building a new arena . . . in Ingersoll and in Brantford

OHL's Bulldogs could get new home near casino complex

By MARK SCHADENBERG

With recent references to Legion minor hockey tournaments locally, and the Woodstock Reeves Community Complex and our municipality's need for at least one new arena (See other entry), it is not my desire to evolve this blog site into a sports page. However, recreation destinations are very important for all towns and cities, and that's why focus on this entry can be on both Brantford and Ingersoll.

The Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League seek a new facility and it appears they will have a new arena erected near the current Civic Centre building (Bulldogs current home ice) and the Elements Casino just a few steps away. Imagine, the focal point -- a new arena with 5,000 seats which could create a Brant County destination for sports and entertainment -- most certainly including concerts.

Brantford will likely be the envy of southern Ontario as a city with a population of about 110,000 as the community also has the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and also the Lions Park Arena. The Gretzky complex is renowned for skating and swimming. The competitive swim club with 5 coaches, includes a 2 very familiar faces -- from Piranhas of Woodstock history in Joni Maerten-Sanders, and from South-West Aquatics (Tillsonburg and Woodstock) Paul Armstrong. A competitive lane pool and a therapeutic pool are just 2 of the splashing successes.  

The Gretzky facility is easily seen from the 403 and also features 4 NHL-size arenas. The main ice surface has 1,000 seats, while the others geared to minor hockey and tournaments each have about 250.

Brantford's newest rink will feature the OHL as its main tenant. A copy-and-paste link to news pieces by CHCH Hamilton and CTV Kitchener interviews with Brantford mayor Kevin Davis describes how the entire neighbourhood could be transformed over the next few years. 

The key to pulling together all the principles is that the Bulldogs are now owned by Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer (ATS Healthcare and other endeavours). It would seem without a new rink (which could open by 2028), the Bulldogs could continue to be nomads as they had moved to Brantford rather recently from Hamilton. Naming rights to the building would have an asking price of $5 million, but the overall price tag would be in the $140 million ball park.

The lure to the Bell City includes the casino obviously with its 500+ slot machines, and table games such as blackjack and roulette.

The 'neighbourhood' plan would include up to 4,000 new residential units and a hotel.

Ken Davis: 

https://www.chch.com/chch-news/brantford-city-council-votes-to-move-ahead-on-new-downtown-arena/

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/we-ve-got-one-shot-city-of-brantford-one-step-closer-to-building-new-arena-and-concert-venue-1.7067874   

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INGERSOLL -- Super exciting times, but patience is part of the recipe.

In Ingersoll, the word MURC (Multi-Use Recreation Centre) is mentioned often during sports chatter at the Ingersoll District Memorial Centre arena (IDMC). The town's feasibility study into recreation facilities noted the IDMC had dimensions of 190 x 85 and is the town's only ice surface and will soon be 65 years old. A 2014 consultant report added that there is no acreage for possible expansion at the current site on Mutual Street South (north of Charles street), which has a close proximity to the Thames River flood plain as well. Projected needs for replacement or upkeep of the compressor, HVAC, and safety issues also tend to lead to the premise of replacing the IDMC with new construction. A new arena would avoid future requirements for a new floor and new roof also.

MURC is a single-pad arena, which will include a space for a future second ice surface, along with a gymnasium, multi-purpose community hall, a walking track, and additional meeting rooms / offices / storage / fitness area. Pictures attached to this prose are just a visual representation as final exact drawings and interior renderings are not completed through the pre-tender process of cost analysis and architectural amenities. Also, a budget in the range of $40 million (or higher) has likewise not been confirmed or tabulated.

The town's online GANTT chart began in March of 2024 and includes a long list of stages from fundraising and land servicing to pre-tender costing, applying for the building permit and an impressively complex (pun) construction timetable to be completed in 2028.

The MURC will be located at the town's entrance off Highway 19 (Southeast corner of Ingersoll) in a 78-acre parcel acquired which was known as Grobrook Farm.  

“In extending our heartfelt appreciation to the Grobrook Farms, we acknowledge their unwavering commitment to giving back to the community. Their generosity has set Ingersoll on a firm and stable path, ensuring the continuity of reliable services for our community." - Mayor Brian Petrie, Town of Ingersoll was quoted in a press release dated in January of this year.

The farm's part owner Nick Groot knows this development is very important to the town

“Our donation is a reflection of our commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the residents. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these enhanced recreational areas will have on the community,” Groot -- a dairy farmer by trade -- said in the release.

https://www.ingersoll.ca/en/town-hall/murc-project.aspx 

https://www.ingersoll.ca/en/town-hall/resources/MURC/Murc-GANTT.pdf  

Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum

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