New life has been injected into a close to 60-year-old gathering spot for Oliver locals.

Primary rehabilitation work is complete on an upgrade project at the Oliver and District Arena, town officials and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) announced March 10.

Upgrades include the replacement of the refrigerated slab and rink dasher board system. Renovations were also made to dressing rooms, washrooms, kitchen and lobby area.

"The Oliver and District Arena is an important gathering place for locals and visitors, and the upgrades will improve accessibility, participation, and sustainability," said Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen. 香蕉视频直播淭he arena will continue to be a hub for sport, recreation, volunteerism and community pride for years to come.香蕉视频直播�

Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair, echoed the mayor's words and said the upgrade project was a priority for Rick Knodel, the former director of Electoral Area 'C' who died in January 2025.

Improvements to the perimeter slab and rubber flooring will provide increased safety for participants and opportunities for adapted recreation programs, such as sledge hockey, the RDOS said.

Other work included the installation of an energy recovery system. Arena refrigeration system controls were also upgraded "to support efforts to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions," it added.

The facility upgrades will allow for maximum use of the arena year-round.

香蕉视频直播淔or 56 years, the Oliver and District Arena has brought our communities together and has 香蕉视频直播榠ced香蕉视频直播� many friendships that will last many lifetimes,香蕉视频直播� said Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie. 香蕉视频直播淭he recent improvements to the arena will keep our youth and adults playing and working together for another 50-plus years.香蕉视频直播�

Crews from Wildstone Construction began work in June 2024. The arena was closed for public use until November, as a result.

The project was estimated to cost $3.844 million. The federal government approved a grant for the project at $2.3 million, with the remaining funds coming from Oliver's capital reserves and borrowing.

A post-construction celebration event has been scheduled for Saturday, March 22, the RDOS said. An opening ceremony and hockey skills competition will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. before a community hockey game and special performances from local figure skaters commence from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

People can register for the event at oliver.ca, or by calling 250-498-4985.

Some other minor work related to the upgrade project is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, the RDOS said.

The arena was built in 1968 and was the second ice facility to be established in the South Okanagan.