contributions came from private donations and naming sponsorships, with the balance supported by municipal reserves and tax debentures. The contingency fund built into the budget proved essential as the team navigated renovation surprises typical of older structures. Accessibility and public flow were also central concerns. The original lobby arrangement required patrons to enter on a half-level before moving up or down to reach programming areas. “Now patrons enter and access all changerooms and both rinks on the ground floor, with seating and concession on the second floor,” Taylor explains. Achieving this required notable earthworks, including bedrock removal. Accessibility standards guided every decision. “In all new areas of the building, spaces were designed to comply with the City of Cambridge Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS), which meet or exceed the AODA standard.” BALANCING MODERN PERFORMANCE WITH HISTORIC CHARACTER While much of the building has been modernized, maintaining the character of the original arena remained a priority. Taylor says this was echoed repeatedly in community consultations. “Our users expressed a need to preserve the essence of the original building… and so the design team worked hard to preserve and integrate those special areas into the new design.” The south rink seating and concession area remain familiar, refreshed but not replaced. “Fresh paint throughout the rink brightened the space and made it feel fresh, without changing the atmosphere.” Local involvement extended beyond consultation. Ball Construction of Kitchener served as general contractor. As Taylor notes, “City staff… (Photo Credit: Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson) 71 JAN 2026 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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