Grunthal Arena gets formal approval of funding from council, work commences

Residents of Grunthal will notice that fencing around the town’s arena has gone up and that’s good news because it signals the beginning of a much anticipated renovation.

While the rink itself will remain unchanged, the project will modernize and improve many of the facility’s supporting spaces and infrastructure, according to the RM. The upgrades are designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and the overall experience for arena users.

“This project has been in the works for a while, so it’s rewarding to finally see construction beginning,” stated Jason Peters, manager of recreation and community services, in a press release. “The arena is a major part of community life in Grunthal, and these improvements will help support local recreation and events for many years to come.”

The $8.1 million project will be broken up into four phases spread over spring 2026 to fall 2027.

The first phase is currently in progress, which will see the purchase of a new Zamboni and the start of construction on the north end tractor shed addition. The new layout will address existing safety concerns by reducing equipment traffic through pedestrian and dressing room access areas. The tractor shed addition will also provide dedicated storage and operational space.

The second phase will commence this summer and will see the installation of a new ice plant. The new modern ammonia-based ice plant will replace the arena’s aging freon system as part of the project. The new system is expected to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability while reducing the facility’s environmental footprint.

The second phase will also see the demolition of the lobby, which will increase the size of the entrance area from about 24 feet deep to 100 feet deep and will add 9,895 square feet of additional space. The RM stated on its website that the new lobby expansion will provide better accessibility and traffic flow, an additional gathering space, improved washrooms, and expanded indoor viewing opportunities.

Four new dressing rooms will also be built during this time and portions of the existing dressing rooms will be upgraded. In the end, the arena will have six to seven dressing rooms through a combination of new and repurposed spaces.

There will also be upgrades to aging electrical and mechanical systems throughout the arena.

The third phase will begin this fall with the completion of the ice plant just in time for the 2026/2027 hockey season and the tractor shed addition will be completed.

The final phase in fall 2027 will see the completion of the lobby area and the dressing room additions and a redesigned concession and food service area.

“I think this is a long-needed project,” said Reeve Jim Funk, during an interview with The Carillon at the announcement of $3.1 million in provincial funding for the arena in February. “We have tried multiple times to bring it to this point and we ran out of gas several times, so we couldn’t bring it to that finish line. And now at this point, at this time, we have. And, you know, as a resident, (I’m) very grateful for (the provincial funding).”

Along with the provincial grant, Hanover council approved more than $3 million for the renovation.

In the past year, the Grunthal Arena modernization project committee’s fundraising arm has raised $1.5 million of a $2 million goal thanks to donations from area farmers and local businesses.

“It started off slowly, and when they realized we were at $1 million, they couldn’t believe it. And when we hit $1.5 million…we’ve asked lots of people for money,” fundraising committee member Edwin Froese told The Carillon during an interview in February. Froese has been spearheading the fundraising with Marv Kornelson.

This is the third time the municipality and residents have tried to raise money to renovate the arena. The first time was 30 years ago when they raised $25,000 of a $1 million renovation budget and the second time they tried to raise funds was 10 years ago.

Froese said this time it was different as this council is more “sports minded” and supportive of the project.

Although the rink will not be touched during renovations, the RM said there will be upgrades to the spectator viewing area by expanding indoor viewing capacity, improved sightlines, and additional seating areas in the arena.

The 58-year-old Grunthal Arena was built in 1968. Its current location is the sixth and final site for the area. In 1967, according to a speech on the arena by Froese given in February, 168 people voted for the arena to be built in its current location compared to 133 who were against it. At the time, the RM borrowed $45,000 for construction, to be paid over 20 years.

Fundraisers for the arena included skate-a-thons that lasted 12 hours and raised around $2,000 each. It wasn’t until 1975 that it was decided to put in artificial ice after years of battling the weather.

Interestingly, prior to plexiglass, wire mesh was used to protect the public from flying pucks, although this was not always successful. There were only two dressing rooms and those weren’t installed until 1974.

“The past and future of this rink is only possible because of the vision of volunteers,” said Froese in his speech. “I thank you – the public – for putting money towards this renovation proving that we want to work with the RM of Hanover to improve our sports facility. To this we say thank you very much.”

Donations towards the arena renewal project are still being accepted, and opportunities remain for community members and businesses to support the arena. To donate, make cheques out to the RM of Hanover with Grunthal Arena contribution written in the memo line. For corporate donations or sponsorships contact CFO Derek Decru at 204-346-7127.

It is expected the renovations will extend the life of the arena by 30 years.