Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Expansion Project
The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre (WGSC), owned and operated by the City of Brantford, is located at 254 North Park St. The WGSC is the center of sports and leisure activity for the community, and offers residents and visitors year-round access to the sports and activities they love. The WGSC has enjoyed this status for over 35 years. The multi-use facility includes a large aquatics centre housing a 65 metre pool, therapeutic pool, sauna, 150’ waterslide; 2 ice surfaces; full fitness centre/weight room and food service area.
Building Canada Fund Expansion Project Phase 1 Nearing Completion.
The excitement is mounting and the finishing touches are being made to a beautiful arena complex – Phase one of this amazing Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre reconstruction project!
Contractors continue to work furiously towards the targeted opening of Phase 1 of the project. The new 4-pad arena is scheduled to open early in June of 2011 and summer ice will be hosted in the new rinks. The beautiful naturally lit facility with arena’s and dressing rooms decorated in bright blue, orange, green and yellow has excellent viewing and seating in all four rinks. Features include:
- Main arena with centre speaker, press box and 1100 seats
- Three arenas with bleacher seating for 350
- Viewing into all rinks from warm lobby/corridor area
- All Ice surfaces sunken 12”-18” to allow better visual of the whole surface
- In-seat heating in all bleacher and riser seating using free, reclaimed heat from the arena mechanical plant
- Accessible ramps, companion seats, washrooms and elevator to access the second floor
- Large dressing rooms with tiled shower and washroom areas
- Walking/running track surrounding the large arena on the second floor
- Restaurant/cafeteria and Pro-shop
- Large central corridor/lobby area
The construction of a gymnasium will also be complete by summer of 2011 and although programming will be limited in this space due to the ongoing construction of Phase 2, it will be a great asset to the finished facility.
Construction Phase II
Phase II will begin upon the completion of Phase I and will include demolition of the Red & Blue rinks. New additions during this phase will include; an additional 25m pool, new therapy pool, child minding area, ground floor fitness centre, dry-land training space, expanded Sports Hall of Recognition, wellness centre, and football field. These additions will all be connected to the new 4-pad facility. Some improvements to the existing 65m pool will also be included in this phase, which is targeted for completion by summer 2012.
During Phase II the new 4-pad will be physically disconnected from the 65m pool. Every effort will be made to keep the 65m pool and fitness centre open during all phases of construction!
This project is set to re-establish the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre as Brantford’s premier sports and recreation facility, and renew pride in Brantford’s title as the Tournament Capital of Ontario. Watch for details about the 4-pad official opening!
Photos of the construction are updated regularly and can be viewed on the "Photo Album" page.