TORONTO, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Downsview Park and Buckingham Sports Properties Company will begin construction this year on a new, freestanding four-pad ice arena designed to meet the growing needs of youth hockey in the Greater Toronto Area and the local community, Downsview Park senior vice president of operations Robert Singleton and Buckingham Sports president Robert Johnston announced jointly today.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2012 on the four-acre footprint of the arena, with completion for the start of the 2013-14 season.
"We're thrilled about the plans for a new ice arena as an addition to the Downsview Park Sports Centre," said Singleton. "This is a most important piece of the Sports Centre; and quite fitting in that our national historic past-time can soon be enjoyed in one of our country's national parks."
"In addition to providing first-rate facilities for leagues, this new facility will be made available whenever possible to our community as a whole, and, in particular, to the many area youth and women's hockey programs and figure skating community that are in need of an additional venue," John Cook, vice president of Buckingham Sports said.
"With the Toronto FC Academy, Volleyball Canada and the National Squash Academy, the Downsview Park Sports Centre is well on its way to becoming what we've always envisioned—a nationally recognized centre for sporting excellence and participation," said David Soknacki, chair, Downsview Park. "This new facility will create an environment that we can all be proud of."
The new ice arena will be located west of the Downsview Park Sports Centre, north of the Park's outdoor fields. The facility will include four NHL-size sheets of ice surface, with limited seating availability, as well sports-related offices, pro-shop, weight and cardio training facilities, and food and beverage operations.
The arena was originally proposed to be located on the footprint of the historic 65 Carl Hall Road (originally home of de Havilland Aircraft of Canada, 1929-1947), with the intent of maintaining the building's façade. The new location adjacent to the Downsview Park Sports Centre offers flexibility in building and design, and is a more practical locale within the Park.
With the announcement that 65 Carl Hall Road was available for redevelopment, several parties stepped forward with interests that could allow Downsview Park to maintain more heritage aspects of the building. Downsview Park is evaluating these opportunities. An announcement will be made in the very near future.
About Downsview Park
Formerly a military base (CFB Toronto), Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) was established by the Government of Canada, stipulating that the land be developed as "a unique urban recreational greenspace for the enjoyment of future generations." Downsview Park is self-financing, independent of government funding and is being designed to support environmental, social and economic sustainability. Of its 572 acres, a substantial majority are committed to public open space and recreational use. Downsview Park engages the public through its year-round seasonal, cultural and special events, and educational and recreational programs. It is also home to the Downsview Park Sports Centre. These features promote and broaden awareness of the significant historical, environmental and cultural characteristics that make Downsview Park unique. Over 1.5 million visits annually continue to establish Downsview Park as a unique park for all people and a modern park for all seasons.
Image with caption: "Artist's rendering by WGD Architects Inc. (CNW Group/Downsview Park)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120531_C4145_PHOTO_EN_14380.jpg
Lisa Hastings-Beck
Director, Public Affairs and Communications
Downsview Park
416-954-0040
[email protected]
www.downsviewpark.ca
John Cook
Vice President
Buckingham Sports Properties Company
416-675-7604
[email protected]
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