The Wembley and District Agricultural Society is planning to make some additions and upgrades to the arena in Wembley.
With the help of some grants and a naming rights deal that will see the group get $20,000 a year for the next five years from Source Energy Services, Society President Eric Sundstrom says they plan to bring some of the arena’s ageing infrastructure into the 21st century.
“It will allow for some more change rooms, a new fitness centre, storage for our multi-purpose space, varsity change rooms for football… and a new ice plant for our arena. A lot of it is 40 plus years old; it has had some refurbishing but it’s probably one of the oldest plants in the province.”
Plans to change the name of the building to the Source Energy Arena and Recreation Centre had been in the works since early this year. The new sign was officially revealed on September 11th during the town’s annual What’s up Wembley event. He adds he’s grateful for the support from a company like this.
“We’re very excited that Source has supported this community association like they have. It’s a large chunk of money for us and the board is just completely excited about our future with Source.”
A portion of the money will also go to general costs to run the building and ice surface. Sundstrom is hoping to start the renovations next year as they are currently waiting to hear if they will receive grants from the County of Grande Prairie as well as the province.