North Star Arena – Firland build underway in PEI, Canada
Since 1971, North Star Arena has served the residents of North Rustico and surrounding communities with a full range of ice sports and non-ice activities. After 48 years of operation, the arena was at the end of its useful life. Refrigeration and mechanical systems were obsolete, the ice surface was not regulation size at 85’ x 185’, and the rink board system was not standard.
Firland Management was asked to conduct a feasibility study and business plan with the goal of developing a sustainable operating model for a new facility. This facility would have a regulation ice surface of 85’ x 200’, large supporting dressing rooms, food and beverage service, walking track, fitness center and other supporting operating components.
The effective use of energy was critical to this model. Energy savings through the use of waste heat from a single source, will be used for refrigeration, heating, cooling, dehumidification and hot water. The operating plan and financial model showed that financial success would be achieved with growth of existing programs, new program development with the addition of a walking track, fitness, room rental and off-season programming.
Based on the feasibility of the study, Firland then became involved in the construction of the facility which is now underway. With a capital cost of the project of $6.8 million dollars, the project is funded through federal and provincial dollars and extensive fundraising in the community.
Progress is underway and as of the end of June 2022 concrete slabs have been poured, Drywall and Seam filling ongoing on the second floor and east wall, Masonry walls on north west corner are ongoing.
