Rocklyn Arena supporters push for repairs ahead of Grey Highlands council meeting

Grey Highlands council is set to revisit the future of the Rocklyn Arena Wednesday, just days after hundreds of residents rallied in support of repairing and reopening the facility.

Close to 400 people attended a “Give Our Arena a Hug” rally Saturday, organized by the Friends of the Rocklyn Arena. Participants surrounded the building as part of the demonstration, while supporters called on the municipality to preserve the longtime community facility.

The rally comes as the municipality continues to determine the full cost of dealing with environmental and building problems that have kept the arena closed since July.

Grey Highlands initially closed the facility after an independent assessment identified mould and indoor air-quality concerns. Council later authorized up to $90,000 from its Asset Management Reserve for mould remediation.

However, subsequent inspections found the problems were more extensive.

The municipality says the building has mould-impacted materials, ventilation deficiencies, long-standing moisture damage, damaged insulation and fireproofing, along with asbestos-containing materials requiring specialized handling.

In a September update, the municipality said “the challenges facing the facility extend beyond mould remediation.”

Preliminary estimates presented during a special council meeting September 30 put repairs to the arena and attached community hall at just over $321,000.

That figure does not include additional HVAC work, which could cost another $50,000 to $150,000. Staff have estimated the non-HVAC work could take between 60 and 120 days to complete.

The municipality has already confirmed there will be no ice at Rocklyn Arena during the 2026-27 season.

Meanwhile, community supporters have committed more than $200,000 toward improvements at the facility, and Saturday's rally demonstrated continued public pressure to keep the arena operating.

Council's ability to authorize immediate repairs is limited because Grey Highlands is currently under restricted-act provisions ahead of the municipal election, preventing council from approving significant unbudgeted spending.

Staff have indicated they will continue preparing information so the incoming council can deal with the project after taking office.

The Rocklyn Arena matter is expected back before Grey Highlands council when it meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10 a.m.