Town council unanimously approved the next step in the expansion of the Blackfalds Multi-Plex.

This is something they have deemed as a priority to the community since the town continues to grow at a rapid rate.

Sean Barnes, Directory of Community services in Blackfalds says that the project was very well researched with residents, “open houses, talking to council, I think having all the stakeholders involved, this facility is going to make a huge difference and once we're done we're going to have a spectacular facility.”  

The project is estimated at $15 million dollars and they awarded the contract to ACI Architects, who also designed the Abbey Centre and helped out with the design process for Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Council was happy that their project bid came in under budget for the component of the project at $743,355.

Barnes says they really need the extra room, “were at full capacity at our arena right now, were probably at like 130% capacity, we just need another ice surface to have our minor hockey and figure skating in that facility.”

The construction is set for 2021, which he says can’t come soon enough.

“We’ve had a lot of people join in to hockey, we keep growing 5-10% per year.”

The community seems to also be in favour of the new plan, and fundraising efforts have already begun. The Dual Ice Development Society (DIDS) is represented by all current users of the existing arena and they say they are working towards raising $1 Million dollars as their commitment to this project.