Arena upgrades ahead of Clinton Radars home opener

By: Brittany McKay

Work continues at the Central Huron Community Complex arena as the municipality prepares for the Clinton Radars’ home opener on September 18.

Facilities Director Steve Duizer provided Central Huron Council with an update on ongoing work at the facility, including renovations and preparations for the upcoming hockey season.

Council was also approached by a representative of the Clinton Radars about purchasing advertising space in the team’s commemorative program. The proposed advertisement would be a quarter-page ad featuring a message from the mayor at a cost of $500. Council approved the purchase.

The municipality is also recruiting additional booth staff for the arena. The positions are open to applicants 14 years of age and older, with staff noting that several applications have already been received following a recent job posting.

Renovation work is also underway at the arena, including flooring. While the flooring project was originally expected to be completed by September 12, staff advised council that the work may not meet that target date.

However, it is expected to be completed shortly afterward.

Council also discussed potential provincial funding opportunities for renovations to aging recreational facilities. Staff are currently investigating the condition of the arena’s HVAC system, which is approaching an age where replacement could soon be required.

Preliminary costs are being gathered so the municipality can determine whether a future provincial grant application would be appropriate.

Deputy Mayor Marg Anderson also asked about the availability of ice time at the arena.

Council heard that virtually all prime-time ice, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m., is currently booked, along with weekend ice. Some availability remains during the early morning hours.

The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. in the home opener on Sept. 18 against the Fergus Whalers.