Image: Goderich Memorial Arena (Google Maps)
Planning is starting from scratch on what to do with Goderich’s Memorial Arena.
The arena was closed until further notice Friday, with the Town of Goderich citing “aging infrastructure, lack of long-term investment and financial constraints in the need to address significant safety and accessibility concerns.”
The Memorial Arena Task Force met this week to discuss next steps on addressing what to do with the 76 year old building.
“We need to create a vision, whether it’s for the existing facility that currently stands, or if it’s a new facility,” says Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet.
“Or other things, as well, like not having a facility at all.”
Bazinet made it clear to task force members, his preference is keeping the Memorial Arena operational, while the path forward to realize that preference is unclear.
“My personal feeling is I would like to see it continue, whether it’s existing or new.”
A 2022 survey conducted by the town found the majority of respondents in favour of maintaining the aging building.
The second-highest suggestion was demolition, following by selling the property.
The ice surfaced was removed from the Memorial Arena in 2017, but the building has continued to be used for community events.
The Memorial Arena Task Force is looking to further survey Goderich residents on the direction the community would like to move toward, given the closure of the arena.
Staff have been directed to come back with charette workshop and costing for the task force to review and consider.
A charette workshop is a public participation session, or sessions, that allows the public to provide direct feedback on an issue, and was used in gathering information for the upcoming revitalization of Goderich’s downtown.