Woolwich Memorial Centre

Elmira, Ont.
Construction Cost: $20.3 million (Canadian)
Area / Square Feet: 117,450
Occupancy Date: June 2009

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.