Nipissing proposes location for new city rink

Nipissing University entered the action in discussions about a location for a new municipal arena with a quick one-timer to the top corner in the form of a presentation delivered by David Drenth, Director of Facilities, to the West Ferris Arena Special Committee.

Drenth presented Nipissing’s proposition for an arena to be constructed on the former Laroque Farm property immediately East of campus. The 75-acre site is already zoned for recreational facility use and is currently planned to include the new 32,000 square foot student centre.

"Nipissing University is committed to helping to develop our community,” said Drenth.  “Our proposal for anew arena adjacent to the campus will benefit both the community and our students.  In terms of sports tourism, the facilities that exist at Nipissing are very attractive and include esidence rooms in spring and summer months, classroom space for team meetings, clinics and seminars, state of the art gymnasium facilities for off-ice workouts and cafeteria services.  It would also be a home for the varsity Lakers to play, and for our intramural leagues, as well as academic programming and youth development research.  Students could utilize ice frequently during the daytime, which a difficult time for most city rinks to rent ice."

The presentation pointed out ease of access to the proposed rink as well, with the location close to major highways and the availability for ample parking.

It also outlined opportunities for multiple ice pads, with the area able to accommodate up to four separate ice surfaces, and featuring one larger pad with seating for up to 1,000 people.

“The west end of North Bay has really grown recently, witnessed by the number of new businesses opened on McKeown Avenue.  An arena on campus would provide increased traffic to those existing businesses,” said Drenth. “At the end of the day, we are happy with what the city deems appropriate for the community. We are flexible and the property has potential for future growth.”

Drenth was clear in his presentation that the university would be providing land to the city for the proposed arena construction and that the city would own and operate the facility. He also stated that if the university’s proposal was not successful at this time, that it be considered in the future, when the time comes to replace the aging twin pad facility at Pete Palangio Arena.