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Beeton Arena repairs start this week

January 11, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Work to repair a structural failure in Beeton Arena is starting this week, with the project expected to take around three months to complete.

All on-ice activities at the arena were suspended in August when an engineering report stated that trusses in the roof showed significant buckling near the exterior walls. This buckling indicates that the arena trusses experienced structural failure from a structural engineering standpoint.

At that time, the report indicated that there was no immediate danger. However, catastrophic failure could occur without adequate measures to rectify the situation.

At the time, New Tecumseth Town Council had four options to consider. This included completing repairs or closing the facility with future consideration for demolition.

A public forum was held, at which time citizens voiced their concerns and opinions on what should be done with the arena. The main concern was if the arena was slated for demolition, there would not be a replacement built for a significant amount of time, likely many years, leaving the town without an arena or community centre.

A report from a qualified engineer stated that with minor truss reinforcement and new X-bracing, the building could be made safe and able to function for many more years.

The funds for the arena repairs will come from the Beeton Facility Reserve Fund.

The local hockey club, the Beeton Stingers, have temporarily moved their home ice to other arenas, notably the Tottenham Community Centre ice, so they can continue playing this season.

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