On May 20, 2025, City Council approved the scope for the Westbrook Community Arena renovation, guided by a "people-first vision" developed over the past year. The project focuses on upgrading accessibility, improving energy efficiency, and expanding programming spaces to better serve the Benchlands, Westbrook, and Hollis Park neighbourhoods.
The approved scope includes widening all entrances and corridors to meet current accessibility standards, replacing the building's aging heating and ventilation systems, and converting the underused storage area behind the main lobby into a flexible multi-purpose room for community groups and youth programming. The two ice pads will receive resurfacing upgrades, and the community hall will be reconfigured to improve sightlines and acoustics for local performances and meetings.
"We built this renovation plan around what residents told us they needed most," said Fiona Gallagher, General Manager, Community Services. "Accessibility, comfort, and spaces that actually work for the people who use them every day are at the heart of what we are doing."
The project will be delivered through a phased approach to keep the arena open for public skating and league play throughout construction. Phase one covers exterior accessibility upgrades and mechanical replacements, scheduled to begin in late summer 2025. Phase two will address interior reconfiguration and the new multi-purpose room, expected to finish by spring 2026.
Residents can view the detailed scope, timeline, and budget estimates on the Parks and recreation strategy page. Public information sessions will be held at the Westbrook Community Arena on June 5 and June 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions and collect final feedback before work begins.
All project updates, including construction notices and temporary schedule changes, will be posted on the Service Alerts page. For questions about the renovation or to speak with a project staff member, email [email protected].