By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Oliver and District Arena Rehabilitation project’s primary work has been completed, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and the Town of Oliver have announced today (March 10).
The project included the replacement of the refrigerated slab and rink dasher board system and renovations to dressing rooms and washrooms to meet current accessibility standards. The kitchen and arena lobby were also renovated.
An energy recovery system was installed, and arena refrigeration system controls were upgraded to support efforts to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Oliver and District Arena is an important part of the Parks and Recreation infrastructure in the region,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. “This project was also a priority for Rick Knodel, the former director of Electoral Area “C” who sadly passed away in January of this year.”
The parties involved noted that the renovations and improvements “will have a positive impact on the community, inviting participation for people of all ages and abilities and allowing more opportunities to host events.”
The facility upgrades also maximize the facility by enabling year-round usage. Safety was also improved through improvements to the perimeter slab and rubber flooring throughout the building providing increased safety for participants and spectators and opportunities for adapted recreation programs such as sledge hockey.
“For 56 years, the Oliver and District Arena has brought our communities together (Osoyoos Indian Band, Town of Oliver and RDOS Area “C”) and has ‘iced’ many friendships that will last many lifetimes,” said Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie. “The recent improvements to the arena will keep our youth and adults playing and working together for another 50 plus years.”
The key part of the arena – the refrigerated floor system and concrete slab – were completed by Bry Sand Ice Arena Ltd. in early October 2024.
Don Urquhart photo
“The Oliver and District Arena is an important gathering place for locals and visitors, and the upgrades will improve accessibility, participation, and sustainability,” said Martin Johansen, Oliver Mayor. “The arena will continue to be a hub for sport, recreation, volunteerism and community pride for years to come.”
The rehabilitation project was funded through a combination of reserve funds and the federal Canada Investing in Recreation Infrastructure Program.
The RDOS awarded the construction contract to Wildstone Construction Group Ltd. at the April 18, 2024, RDOS Board of Directors meeting. The project team thanked Wildstone and Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects for their work on the project.
The RDOS noted that some minor work is expected to be finalized throughout the winter and advised visitors to follow all posted signage and be mindful of construction crews working.
Winter hours of operation until March 31 are Monday – Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information about public skating and the ice program schedule visit the Oliver recreation website.
A post-construction celebration event will be held at the Oliver and District Arena on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The event will feature an opening ceremony and hockey skills competition from 4-6 p.m. A community hockey game will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and will include special performances by local figure skaters.
For more information or to register as a participant, please visit oliver.ca or call 250-498-4985.
