After completing a $12.5 million upgrade, Calgary’s Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon arenas (502 Heritage Drive S.W.) have reopened. The upgrade project included expanding the ice size at Jimmie Condon Arena, replacing two existing refrigeration systems with a single refrigeration system to improve energy efficiency, adding accessible change rooms and quadrupling spectator seating with spots for more than 240 people.

The project, which was completed on time and on budget, also included the addition of new accessible public washrooms, meeting rooms, a multipurpose room, improved energy efficient lighting and equipment, flooring improvements, and new exterior finishing.

“The upgrades to Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon arenas are a welcome improvement to a key community gathering place. Accessibility and capacity for spectators has been increased and amateur sport groups will find a new energy from the facility upgrades,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Recreation centres provide a refuge for people to work on their physical, mental, and emotional health and I’m pleased to see ongoing investments being made.”

Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon arenas had not undergone significant renovations since they were originally built in 1968 and 1983 respectively. The facility needed mechanical, electrical, and operational repairs and upgrades to ensure citizens continue to have use of the arenas for years to come.

“Investing in the upgrades of our civic facilities is important to ensuring established neighbourhoods continue to have access to recreation opportunities; for residents who are long-time users and those yet to discover the facility and its programs,” said Kourtney Penner, Ward 11 Councillor. “Ensuring all areas of the city have modernized facilities, supports our goals of active and complete neighbourhoods. I know Calgarians are proud of our recreation services and I hope to join users for a skate in the near future.”