Lethbridge Celebrates Grand Opening of Phase One at the ATB Centre
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LETHBRIDGE – By cutting the ribbon on Friday morning, local, provincial and federal dignitaries signalled the grand opening of Phase One of the ATB Centre in west Lethbridge.
The nearly $42-million facility boasts two NHL-sized ice rinks, multi-purpose spaces, offices for Lethbridge Minor Hockey and the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, a 10 sheet curling rink complete with a full kitchen and lounge, three gender neutral washrooms and seating for 900 spectators.
The plan was initiated by City Council back in 2007, to address the lack of public ice surface and an aging curling facility, formerly located at the Civic Centre.
Mayor Chris Spearman says this will cause what he called a “cultural shift” across Lethbridge. “When we have facilities all around the city and we share in those, people get to know their community even better. It’s going to bring the city together. We’re not going to have that east side, west side divide anymore. This facility belongs to all Lethbridge citizens.”
You can find a schedule of fun activities planned at the ATB Centre all this weekend to celebrate the opening on the City of Lethbridge website.
Funding for the centre, which is being hailed as the biggest and best of its kind across Alberta, came from a number of generous supporters.
The Government of Canada provided $10-million through its Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component (BCF-MIC). The province granted a total of $25.8-million, $10-million of which was part of its matching portion for the BCF-MIC while the remaining $15.8-million came from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant.
The City of Lethbridge then contributed the left over $5.55-million to complete the rest of the cost.
ATB Financial was awarded naming rights to the facility in February. Over the course of five years, it will put $402,800 toward the centre. Benefits include interior and exterior signage, a kiosk for information, exclusively ATB bank machines and the chance to review benefits annually and renegotiate if necessary.
“There’s two things for ATB that are really important to us. One is wellness and health, and of course this facility speaks to all of that,” added Rob Smith, South Region Vice-President.
“The other piece is about connecting the community. Any time that we can be a part of a facility that brings communities and people together is critically important.”
In order to celebrate the grand opening, the public is welcome to take part in plenty of fun activities until the Sunday (September 18) afternoon. You can find a schedule on the City of Lethbridge website.
Ground broke on Phase Two in mid-May, which will feature an aquatics centre, multi-sport field house, fitness centre, indoor track, gymnasiums, child care area, indoor playground, locker rooms and commercial space. It’s scheduled for completion in 2019.
