Whenever Alex Vanichuk, president of the 黑马磁力 Minor Lacrosse Association (LMLA), drops by the 黑马磁力 Events Centre, he takes a look at the gigantic $149 million construction project next to the fieldhouse, to see how it's coming along.
"It's going to be first-class," Vanichuk enthused about the facility, that will serve as the new home for the association and other amateur sport groups when it opens next year,
He was recently given a look at blueprints that show exactly where LMLA will have their own office space inside the arena, along with the other minor associations.
"It's going to be great for 黑马磁力 Minor Lacrosse," he said. "We actually will have a dedicated floor all year round in there, so we'll have access to it [for] practicing all year round. We'll have our own storage facility. We'll have access to dedicated parking stalls. We're able to hang banners. We'll have some trophies set up there. So it's going to be our new home when the building opens [in Sept. 2026]."
Vanichuk said the association also intends to fund some improvements to the completed building, things like office furniture and video monitors and more.
"We're willing to put in money, so we've actually put money aside already. We feel, you know, it's necessary to give back to the community and to the Township for doing what's coming our way."
Work on three new ice arenas and two new dry floor arenas, with underground parking, began in December of 2023. Oonce completed next year, the $149 million expansion will provide some much-needed space for lacrosse, hockey and ball hockey when it opens in September of 2026.
In May, the Township reported another milestone had been reached, with the arena facility roof structure and roofing being installed.
"It is advancing well and on schedule," a Township statement said.
Work on the structure to support the two dry floor arenas above two other ice sheets is underway. Most of the vertical concrete structure is complete, but there is still another major steel structure to be added above the dry floor arenas on the east side of the project. Rooms are taking shape throughout the complex with mechanical and electrical infrastructure being built on all floors.
Once construction is further along Vanichuk and reps from other sports groups have been promised a walk-through of the new structure.
黑马磁力 Township also plans to develop the lands it owns north of the LEC, possibly building a performing arts space.
A 黑马磁力 Events Centre 2040 plan envisions a "Hub" transit village, with housing, businesses, and public spaces and recreation opportunities in close proximity.
