Saint John to build new rec centre on city's east side

Saint John wants a multi-purpose recreational space, which would include two rinks, built to connect to the existing Irving Oil Field House on McAllister Drive at an estimated cost of $48 million.

Coun, Gary Sullivan says the city's aging ice properties were a catalyst for the centre.

"Three of our rinks were built as [Centennial] projects … they are really at the end of their useful life," said Sullivan.

"You know, sports, hockey, for example — very different now than it was back in the day. And dressing rooms need to be bigger. The technology on and around the ice needs to be better."

The new centre would be connected to the existing Irving Oil Field House on McAllister drive. (City of Saint John)

The new rec centre would be operated by the YMCA, developed in partnership with Greater Saint John Field House Inc.

While sports will be a major part of the centre, other forms of recreation would also get attention..

These would include room for a relocated East Library branch and spaces for community meetings and cultural events.

Sullivan says it's important to view the centre as more than a rink.

"We certainly have folks that want to access cultural and library spaces," said Sullivan.

"A family can show up on a Saturday and kids can be playing hockey on one side, maybe the soccer practices another, doing some research for some homework or practicing their bagpipes, all all in one facility. It's quite exciting."

While the site would increase the city's rink space, Coun. Barry Ogden commented during council on Monday that he hopes the city will keep existing rink infrastructure and build even more in other areas of the city.

"This is a good site, a good idea, but we [shouldn't] close any rinks," he said.

"We [should] think about a double rink and an artificial field in west Saint John."

Ogden said it's important that any new rink doesn't mean resources are taken away from priority areas on the city's west side.

"Those poor kids are not going to get on that bus and go out there, no matter what you say, what you do," said Ogden.

"I've been coaching all my life [it's] not going to happen."