Greater Vernon’s newest arena is on track.
Vernon council was given an update on plans for a second ice sheet at Kal Tire Place Monday.
“The final drawings are being done,” said Doug Ross, recreation services director.
The project should be tendered Jan. 9 and construction could begin in March. It’s anticipated the facility will be opened Sept. 1, 2018.
Among the arena’s features will be six dressing rooms instead of four, two referee dressing rooms, a minor hockey storage area, a minor hockey office and a meeting room.
The project will lead to the existing Grand Room at Kal Tire Place expanding, and some of that space could be leased out.
The budget for the arena is $13 million, and Ross is confident through the planning process that figure can be maintained.
“We are within the target of our budget but only by going out to the market (tenders) will be know,” he said.
A corporate sponsor will be sought to name the new arena.