Arena Task Force recommends option for grant application

The Arena Task Force is recommending that Council direct the Strategic Priorities Fund grant application towards the option of a twin surface, multi-use arena on the west side of the South Okanagan Event Centre site. If successful, the grant application could secure up to $6 million to invest in Penticton’s arenas.

With this option, minimal repairs would be performed on Memorial Arena and McLaren Arena to keep the buildings operational and safe for the next several years while the next phase of reviews and approvals are completed. Once the new facility is built, Memorial Arena would be converted to dry surface to support activities such as lacrosse, pickleball, and soccer while McLaren would be decommissioned. The option is estimated to cost $33.9 million and would help meet Penticton’s arena needs for the next 50 years.

Staff’s report is now available at penticton.ca. Council will review the recommendation for the grant application at a meeting on July 25 between 6 pm and 8 pm in Council Chambers.