If you’ve lived in Prince George long enough, you probably have been inside or have driven by the Kopar Memorial Arena (KMA).
Built in 1958, the 65-year-old arena on Dominion Street has stood the test of time and is part of the fabric of the downtown area.
It’s been the site of many magical moments ranging from the Spruce Kings’ Fred Page Cup playoff runs in 2018 and 2019 as well as the hoisting of its first-ever Doyle Cup – dispatching the Brooks Bandits in six games.
But, like the old saying all good things must come to an end, the Kopar Memorial Arena is nearing the end of its lifespan and a replacement is needed not only to better serve the community organizations that use it but to also secure the long-term future of the Spruce Kings.
The Spruce Kings, who have been around since 1972, have played all their home games there and would like to stay within the friendly confines of the downtown core.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes acknowledged while the arena is structurally sound, the end is near.
“It’s been a great facility for us and still is. The building has been in Prince George since 1958 but it’s time for sure even though the state of the building is good.”
“In the next few years, we certainly need to secure a new arena that will help us meet the standard that has been established now within the BCHL.”
While the Kopar Memorial Arena still has its charm for being a vintage hockey barn, its deficiencies are well known, such as boards that don’t flex (BCHL requirement), small dressing room facilities and some tight corners players often encounter over the course of a hockey game.
With that in mind, Hawes stated at least in the short term, the KMA will suit the Spruce Kings just fine.
“The structural part of the building is sound, to be honest with you. From an organizational standpoint, we don’t have any complaints. Sure, we would like to have a sexy new arena with seats, better office space, and more dressing rooms but it’s a good old rink that has been good to us.”
Hawes noted discussions with the city remain ongoing for a new arena but also acknowledged they are in the same boat as other non-profits such as the Prince George Playhouse and Studio 2880 who have already received funding for repairs.
Last week, the City of Prince George opened its Civic Core District Survey to the public asking for input on how to best utilize some newfound space following the recent demolitions of the old Fire Hall #1 and Four Seasons Leisure Pool.
The new Fire Hall and Canfor Leisure Pool both went to referendum in 2017 and passed – subsequently being built and operational within the past two years respectively.
If by chance arena talks stall, Hawes stated the Spruce Kings could work around some temporary solutions but a shared tenancy with either Cariboo Hockey or the PG Cougars would not be sustainable.
“By no means do I think it’s going to affect the organization in the sense that we wouldn’t be here. We will find a way to make it work but Kin 1 is not an option for us. Moving into the CN Centre or sharing that facility is not an option.”
“I know that some people within the community think that’s an option but it’s vital for the Cougars organization and ours that we have the advertising within the building because that arena doesn’t have the ability to change out rink board or ice logos.”
When asked if the Spruce Kings may be forced to move to a private ownership group instead of its community-owned model in order to land a new building – Hawes answered that question with a resounding no.
“We are quite content to be a non-profit, community-owned team. We are proud of it and have had good support from the community and the region over 50-plus years and it shows with the support we get through our lottery that we continue to survive and thrive.”
“Our model is one that other owners in our league would like to have. They wish they could have the lotteries and the support that we have and the financial stability. I don’t see that changing at any point within the organization. What we are doing now is working,” added Hawes.
Director of Civic Facilities and Events, Andy Beesley told MyPGNow.com the feedback they receive from the taxpayers on their Civic Core Survey may set the tone for how arena discussions progress.
“We are turning to the taxpayers, and we are asking them what different ideas they’ve got for downtown and what they would like to see for facilities. Of course, the Spruce Kings are very much involved in this process and the consultations – we are very aware of the history of them in our city and the need to accommodate them in the future.”
In May, arena staff who took the ice out at the aging downtown arena found a deep hole in one corner of the floor which forced a postponement of the season-opening game in the Prince George Senior Lacrosse Association.
“There is a small bit of concrete that we had to remove just to fix a brine line. That is an old problem that has been around for many years and every spring we patch that back up again. There are other arenas that also have cracks sewn in the floor and we also patch them up. We quickly fixed it and the floor is in really good shape,” said Beesley.
As for maintaining the upkeep of the Kopar Memorial Arena, Beesley noted the city has to be fiscally prudent on how they approach any repairs.
“We are trying to make smart decisions on what to put money in. There are all sorts of things we could do to it but we are also aware it is reaching the end of its lifespan. We don’t want to do anything too crazy that will cost a bunch of money only to know in several years it might be replaced.”
“The repairs we are doing are the essentials to make sure it is safe for our public and for our users.”
In 2012, former Prince George mayor Dan Rogers and the city council reversed a decision to construct another arena at Exhibition Park.
In a second vote, they reversed their decision opting to rebuild Kin 1 for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Beesley, who was employed by the city during this time, noted rebuilding Kin 1 was the best option for the city at that time.
“At the time, the reality was Kin 1 was in very bad shape. It was being used for major tournaments and to my recollection, while it would have been great to have another Kin 4 arena built that would have given us seven sheets of ice in Prince George. But, keep in mind, what comes along with that is the cost of upkeep, maintenance, and utilities.”
“Six sheets of ice have served our community quite well. The ice sheets are full which is what we want – most people can get ice time when they want them – there are some shortages here and there but overall, six sheets seems to be the right number.”
Feedback on the Civic Core survey runs until September 15th.
The Spruce Kings’ first home game is September 29th vs the Chilliwack Chiefs at 7 pm.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
