Warman City Council approves arena expansion project

After several funding setbacks, the City of Warman is moving forward with a major recreation project.

Council approved an expansion of the Warman Home Centre Communiplex, formerly the Legends Centre, during a special meeting on Tuesday. The project comes with a price tag of nearly $13 million.

The project includes a single-ice arena with seating for 205 spectators, along with six changes rooms and a second-floor lounge offering space for 150 people.

The expansion won’t require changing the existing facility’s ice plant, which was designed to meet the needs of a second ice surface.

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“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” said Mayor Gary Philipchuk in a release.

“Careful consideration was given to the financial impacts on residents every step of the way. But, despite what is still a significant cost, we’re pleased that it is more than twelve percent lower than what was anticipated.”

The city held off on the project for several years in hopes of securing federal funding, but after three unsuccessful attempts, council switched to a different plan to pay for it.

Starting Jan. 1, residential and commercial properties will pay a $75 recreation capital levy.  The levy will increase to $150 starting in 2025, and will remain in place to help fund the expansion along with future recreational facilities in Warman.

The city said the project will address increased demand for more recreational opportunities in the province’s fastest-growing city and addresses uncertainty around the Diamond Rodeo Arena, which was built in 1967.

Construction is expected to begin in February and is expected to be completed in time for the fall minor hockey season in 2025.