Fredericton's York Arena reopens Monday after latest delay

After numerous delays and setbacks, Fredericton's York Arena is reopening to the public Monday after being closed for two years.

"I think it's great," said ward councillor Eric Megarity of the opening. "It's all about wellness and getting people active."

The most recent delay came after the Department of Health wanted to inspect the building to make sure it was lead-free. Lead paint had been discovered in the building when it was shut down for structural repairs in 2014.

The arena was set to open Oct. 11, but an ammonia line ruptured just outside the building, pushing the tentative opening date to Monday, October 17.

Megarity said the one week delay didn't hurt and the department was able to do its due diligence to ensure the building was lead-free.

'Business as usual'

"I think there's going to be some teams in there today playing," said Megarity of the opening. "It's business as usual."

Megarity said the plan is to have more family skate times set aside on Fridays and Saturdays.

"There's going to be more time allotted to open skating. So it's just not about hockey players, it's about people who want to get out for an afternoon of skate or maybe there will be some time in the evening."

Megarity said hockey tournaments bring business to the city and help the economy grow.

The councillor added the arena would be good for another 20 to 25 years with all the recent upgrades.

Originally opened in 1947, the arena didn't meet current building codes, and contractors needed to shovel off the roof after almost every snowfall.

The renovations included new steel support beams, siding, scoreboard, barrier-free entrances and barrier-free washrooms.