A $7 million federal funding commitment has been announced to kick-start the long-awaited redevelopment of the aging Rothesay Arena.
The funding, provided through the Green Inclusive Community Buildings Program, will go toward transforming the over 50-year-old facility into the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Center (RICC).
Mayor Nancy Grant explained that the new name reflects the center’s mission of inclusivity.
“Age-friendly doesn’t mean making things just better for seniors. It means making things better for everybody,” she said, highlighting the importance of designing spaces that serve all generations.
The renovations will repurpose the arena into a multi-purpose hub featuring energy-efficient upgrades, indoor courts, and accessible meeting spaces for community groups such as the Hive.
Greg Murdock of Murdock & Boyd Architects, whose firm is helping with the renovations, described the project as long overdue.
“The building has reached the end of its useful life for ice sports, but transforming it into a multi-use facility is perfect,” Murdock said.
He noted that the redevelopment will give the aging structure a new purpose while addressing the valley’s growing needs.
Murdock also outlined plans for the broader redevelopment of the project, which includes a new arena that will be connected to the existing facility.
He explained that the new arena will include an NHL-sized ice surface with seating for 400 and additional amenities.
“This funding marks a significant start, allowing us to move forward with the renovations,” Murdock said.
The total cost for both projects is estimated at $36 million, with $12 million allocated for the renovation of the existing arena.
Officials said the $7 million federal contribution represents a crucial step in moving the project forward.
