The construction of the Central Community Club project has officially started

Monday afternoon marked the official start of construction for the Central Community Club project, with members of the Central Community Club Board of Directors as well as the Mayor and Council of Kenora attending the site.

Construction began to take shape as contractors began initial foundation preparation and pipe installation for the new recreational facility. When the ground begins to thaw, the excavation of the footings of the foundation will begin.

The first underground works should continue until May, followed by the installation of the new pavilion and the skating rinks, and finally the landscaping.

Improvements at Central are expected to include a new outdoor rink, a new open rink area, replacement of the boards surrounding the hockey rink, paving and surfacing of the ice surface, construction of a players’ bench and the new Central Community Club.

Members of the Community Club Board of Directors expressed their gratitude for the investments they have received from community partners, fundraising campaigns, contributions from the federal and provincial governments as well as city council.

Overall, the $1.3 million contract is broken down into $101,800 raised by the Central Community Board, $596,000 from the provincial and federal governments, a $100,000 donation from the board, an additional $370,000 from the city, a $70,000 donation from Solid Construction and the commitment of the Central Community Board to raise an additional $153,590.

“The City is very happy to see the start of this long-awaited project. We know recreation is important to building a strong and vibrant community, as are community partnerships,” said Mayor Dan Reynard.

He continued, “We want to recognize the Central Community Board volunteers who had the vision and passion to champion a new facility so everyone can once again enjoy playing outdoors together.”

When provincial and federal funding was announced in March 2021, the goal of the project was to have the new Central Community Club and outdoor rink ready by the 2021-2022 winter season.

But in mid-November, the city announced construction had been delayed until spring 2022. They said teams had experienced delays due to unexpected ground conditions, a review of the club’s final designs -house and incorrect construction price estimates.

The project is expected to be completed by winter 2022/2023.