M.D. OF BONNYVILLE – More room for hockey teams, a bigger fitness area and some much-needed upgrades throughout the building are on the wish list for the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre in 2027.

Representatives from the C2 appeared before M.D. of Bonnyville council on October 13, requesting $691,000 toward a proposed $1.38 million capital improvement plan, along with continued financial support for day-to-day operations.

The capital request would be split equally between the Town of Bonnyville and the M.D. of Bonnyville, with each municipality contributing $691,000 if approved.

For now, the projects remain proposals. Council referred the funding requests to its 2027 budget discussions.

More dressing rooms and room to work out

Two of the bigger projects would address space limitations at the busy recreation facility.

The C2 is proposing $307,000 to expand dressing rooms in the RJ Lalonde Arena, converting two smaller rooms into two regular-sized dressing rooms to better accommodate hockey teams and other arena users.

Another $285,000 would go toward renovations to the fitness centre, including expanding the cardio area and moving change-room access inside the gym.

The C2 says it is already at maximum capacity for tenant rental space, while demand for its facilities continues to create pressure on the building.

And it’s not just about making more room.

The proposed capital plan also includes improvements aimed at keeping the arenas operating smoothly, updating aging equipment and improving security throughout the facility.

What’s on the C2’s upgrade list?

The proposed projects include:

• $307,000 – Dressing room expansion: Turning two smaller dressing rooms into regular-sized spaces.
• $285,000 – Fitness centre renovations: Expanding the cardio area and improving access to change rooms.
• $275,000 – Arena dehumidifier: Helping control humidity and prevent water from dripping from overhead beams in the RJ Lalonde Arena.
• $200,000 – Sound system upgrades: Improvements for the RJ Lalonde Arena, Cenovus Arena and fieldhouse.
• $185,000 – Security cameras and equipment: Upgrading 52 existing cameras, adding 66 new cameras and improving supporting hardware.
• $55,000 – Basketball hoops: Installing hoops to allow basketball to be played regularly.
• $50,000 – Arena kickplates: Replacing the protective strips along the bottom of the boards in the RJ Lalonde and Cenovus arenas.
• $15,000 – Cold-water line: Installing a line in the Zamboni bay for daily operations and ice-making.
• $10,000 – Arena ice edger: Supporting the facility’s ice maintenance program.

The C2 presentation identifies 10 proposed capital projects, although the supplied project summary itemizes nine.

Together, the listed improvements total $1.38 million.

Operating costs are also going up

Beyond the capital upgrades, the C2 is seeking continued municipal support to keep the facility running.

Its proposed 2027 operating budget is $4,269,441, compared with $4,119,319 in 2026.

The increase is approximately 3.6 per cent, with much of the additional spending tied to staffing costs, including a marketing coordinator position, a proposed two per cent cost-of-living adjustment and wage grid increases.

The C2 is requesting $1,158,888 in operating support from the M.D. of Bonnyville, an increase of $28,265, or 2.5 per cent, over the previous year.

The facility is also planning to bring in additional revenue.

Rental rates for facilities and ice are expected to increase by five per cent in 2027. The facility rental increase is planned for January, while the ice rental increase would take effect in August.

Additional revenue is also expected through tenant leases, advertising and sponsorships.

C2 has already made several improvements

The presentation also highlighted work completed or underway in 2026.

The facility replaced three older boilers with two newer, energy-efficient units, installed new windows in the fitness studio and added equipment to improve cleaning and maintenance.

Other upgrades included a new lift after the previous one failed a safety inspection, improvements to airflow in the fieldhouse and a reverse osmosis system intended to improve ice quality for hockey and figure skating.

A new divider curtain was also installed in the fieldhouse, allowing the space to be split in half to accommodate more rentals and activities.

New screens, projectors and gym equipment were among the other additions.

Decision will come during budget talks

While the C2 has outlined what it hopes to accomplish next year, the M.D. has not committed to funding the proposed upgrades.

Council received the presentation and referred the requests to its upcoming 2027 budget deliberations.

That means the larger dressing rooms, expanded gym and other improvements will have to wait for a decision on municipal funding.

For now, the C2 has put its plans on the table, with a focus on making more room for the people and programs already using the facility.