The Eastern Charlotte Recreational Complex is in its final year of upgrades, according to the municipality.
Since 2022, the arena has received ice plant upgrades (Scada/PLC, machinery overhaul), lighting upgrades in the former curling club area, the dressing rooms, and the rink main hall; a new score clock which was installed free of charge by staff of J.D. Irving, Ltd. Lake Utopia.
It also has a new multi-surface play floor on the former curling surface, a heating upgrade in the lobby, some roof repairs, and door replacements, including a complete overhaul of the side entrance to the rink and security cameras. The arena has equipment/accessories such as basketball nets, hockey stick holders, and coaching whiteboards.
So far, the upgrades have cost $280,000.
In the upcoming year, the municipality said in a release it will work to repair and upgrade the ice surface doors, rubber flooring, and climate control for the former curling area.
“In addition, the municipality will be taking internal ice surface camera feeds and making it viewable to the public,” the release said. “Final work and the bulk of the funds remaining will be utilized for the completion of the outdoor ball court.”
The old court, the release said, was removed in 2024, as well as paving for the road leading to the arena.
“I want to thank the efforts by the local fundraising team for getting this project off the ground,” said Mayor John Craig in the release. “The Eastern Charlotte Recreational Complex, built in the late 1960s, has stood the test of time, continuing to cater to the needs of Eastern Charlotte as a multifaceted venue, suitable for a wide variety of functions and a multitude of recreational activities.”
Craig said in the release that the facility enhances both the physical and mental well-being of residents – and provides an additional incentive for people to choose Eastern Charlotte as their home. As well, he explained, provides local stimulus to the economy.
“In the winter months, it draws families to the area for tournaments, thereby boosting sales for lodging, restaurants, gas stations, and retail, during a period of traditionally low demand, thus ensuring these businesses’ success and local employment,” he said in the release.
Much of the funding came from the Gas Tax Fund, according to the municipality, with an additional $91,500 coming from local fundraisers — Chase the Ace and Jersey Girls/U20.