As a new pool and fitness centre is under construction next to Mariners Centre, a big project is also coming to the main arena.
From late March through the summer, a $1.6 million ice replacement is taking place inside Graves Arena.
That includes a new concrete floor and the removal and inspection of the boards and glass.
Mariners Centre CEO Dave Tompkins says it’s an essential project for the long-term feasibility of the centre.
“We need to replace the concrete and pull up all those lines underneath, you’re talking miles of rubber tubing. It’s a big undertaking, but we have a great crew looking after it. We’re looking forward to getting started,” said Tompkins, who took over as CEO on January 12.
Eight years ago, a leak in the brine system underneath the concrete was fixed.
Tompkins says the issue has appeared again.
“The brine system underneath that floor needs to be repaired, or else we could be dealing with a catastrophic failure mid-way through a season, that’s what we’re trying to avoid.”
The floor of the Graves Arena at Mariners Centre during Y-Con 2025 (Acadia News)
Special events to take place in Pleasant Timber-Mart Arena
Tompkins says they’ll be keeping the ice in the cold side (Pleasant Timber Mart Arena) through the summer.
They’re also moving the NSCC graduation, Y-CON and Western Nova Scotia Exhibition vendors there.
“We’ve worked with every group possible to make sure the transition goes smoothy to the Pleasant Timber Mart Arena. The ice reduction in April and May is a challenge for all, but we’ll be better for it in the long term. It’ll be a different blueprint, but we’ll do our best.”
As far as a timeline, Tompkins says the experts will know best.
“The concrete floor will take a month to cure, and the earlier we get at it the better. I’ll leave that to the experts as to when we can get back on it. Hopefully in August we can use it for dryland training at hockey camps before we put the cold to it.”
The three municipal units that own the Mariners Centre (the Town and Municipality of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle) are funding the ice replacement project.
Tompkins excited for future of Mariners Centre property
Tompkins comes to Yarmouth from Charlottetown, PEI, where he worked at the Bell Aliant Centre rink at UPEI for 10 years.
“I’m hoping to offer my expertise and know-how to make Mariners Centre a bigger and better spot for the whole community.”
He says he’s looking forward to the fall, when the new expansion site opens and the ice replacement is finished.
“So we’re not affecting what the public is used to. It’s a very exciting time for the facility and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
