At a site that was once home to a local hockey rink since the early 1970s, we were brought in to help develop the plan for the future. Located in picturesque North Rustico, PEI, the North Stars Arena had been home to local hockey in the area for years but was in need of improvements considering the building’s outdated infrastructure.
Since being awarded the upcoming 2023 Canada Winter Games, the province has been diligent in upgrading a variety of facilities across the island in anticipation of the influx of visitors. As part of the games, it was decided that the old North Stars Arena would be completely demolished and a new building erected to support the upcoming games. In what is now known as the Eliyahu Wellness Centre Canada Games Place, this innovative and completely sustainable facility features a gym, a walking track, and an Olympic-sized ice surface.
It was inside the rink that our team was called in by our partners at both Firland Management and Coles Architecture. The two firms were integral to the planning and development of the new facility and brought in our team to assist with the design and build of the completely customized arena bleachers for the mezzanine area of the rink.
With spectator sightlines top of mind, our team was strategic in laying out the perfect design to optimize the spectator experience, capacity and safety. Juggling these three elements can be a challenge at times, but it is something we have perfected over the years.
The seating platform was edged forward on the mezzanine to allow for optimal sightlines along with a custom standing area that was incorporated into the rear section of the bleachers. Upon design approval, the bleacher was manufactured at our factory and was immediately shipped to Prince Edward Island.
Our internal installation team together with our partners at Interior Visions safely installed the bleacher,onbudget and on schedule for the unveiling of the new facility. We look forward to seeing how it holds up to this year’s Games and wish all participants the best of luck!