Woolwich Memorial Centre
Elmira, Ont.
Year in Showcase: 2010
Project Description
The Woolwich Memorial Centre is a consolidation of the Township of Woolwich’s recreational programs into a single public complex. Although small in population, the township boasts high demand for recreation facilities, including those for hockey and other ice sports. The WMC responds to the community’s needs for ice, aquatics and fitness programs.
Overlooking a playing field and running track shared by the local high school, the centre is sited in an open green zone directly west of the central part of Elmira. The twin-pad arena component has a multipurpose 1,300-seat arena that is home to the Elmira Sugar Kings Junior B Hockey Club. The arena is designed for use alternately as a convention and entertainment venue.
Located north of the playing field and track, the aquatic and fitness areas overlook terraces shaded under a large-scale overhanging veranda roof. The natatorium houses a six-lane, 25-meter pool and a leisure basin with wide, shallow-water steps. The fitness component of the facility benefits from views to both the natatorium and the field to the south, and connects to the concourse/running track that forms the circulation system of the main arena. A major multipurpose room and a seniors’ facility form a civic corner within the facility.
Aesthetically, the building relies on a simple, inexpensive palette of corrugated metal, wood, stone and colored glass to define spaces and enhance users’ recreational experiences. Transparent glazing and a simplified concourse organization provide great sightlines throughout.
Project Details
Architect of Record: MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects; Toronto, Ont.
Aquatic Design Engineer: International Aquatic Consultants Inc.; London, Ont.
Rink Consultant: Cimco Refrigeration; Toronto, Ont.
Construction Cost: $20.3 million (Canadian)
Square Feet: 117,450
Occupancy: June 2009
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs: Acapulco
Arena Seating: Irwin Seating Co.
Chemical Control Systems: Chemtrol, Div. Of Santa Barbara Control Systems
Dashers: Sports Systems Inc.
Deck/Basin Surface: Tile: American Olean
Dehumidifiers: Concepts + Design Inc.
Diving Boards:
Spectrum Aquatics
Filtration Systems: Astral Products Inc.
Flooring: American Olean
Flooring, Fitness Center: Advantage Sport
General Contractor: Melloul Blamey
Gutters: Grate Technologies
Heaters: Aaon
Ladders/Grab Bars:
Paragon Aquatics, Div. of Pentair
Lockers: Nanasi Corp.
Multipurpose: Advantage Sport
Pool - Builder: Acapulco
Pools - Slide: Nationwide Commercial Aquatics
Pre-Engineered Structures: Butler Manufacturing Co.
Refrigeration Units: Black + Macdonald
Sanitization Systems: Astral Products Inc.
Scoreboards/Timing Systems: Hamilton Digital Design
Shower/Toilet Partitions: Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc.
Skylights: Architectural Plastics Ltd.
Starting Blocks: Spectrum
Track: Advantage Sport
