Sudbury city councillors weigh options for aging Sudbury Arena

The newly elected Sudbury city council had its first crack at the long-standing debate over Sudbury Arena and the city's other rinks Tuesday night.

But there was no clear direction forward or a next report ordered from staff.

City council did receive a consultant's report outlining options for the city's main arena and comparing the costs of renovating and rebuilding the 64-year-old rink.

The $30,000 report was described as a "high-level overview" detailing that adding on to Sudbury Arena would cost about $50 million, while building brand new would run closer to $65 million.

Meanwhile, keeping the arena as is would cost about $12 million over the next 10 years in general upkeep.

Mayor Brian Bigger was one of several members of council to say more information was needed, especially on the business of operating an arena, but didn't give staff any direction on next steps.

"Obviously we can't make a decision at this time," said Bigger.

However some councillors did give their opinions.

"I really feel we should be looking at a new build," said Ward 8 councillor Al Sizer, who was once a city manager looking after Sudbury Arena.

He said going the renovation route can be "horrendous what you get into."

Ward 1 city councillor Mark Signoretti said he feels the community has no stomach to spend millions building a facility that is primarily for hockey and for the Sudbury Wolves.

"It needs to support multi-purpose, multi-use," said Signoretti.

The discussion also drifted into the future of Greater Sudbury's 14 recreational arenas, which the previous council dealt with in 2013.

The renovation option would involve adding 68,000 square feet onto the existing arena, mostly on the grounds of the arena, but would also wipe out Grey Street.

The $50 million renovated and expanded Sudbury Arena would feature a new bowl concourse around the top of the rink, a restaurant, 16 new luxury boxes, plus brand new electrical and plumbing systems.

The consultant's report says there is a "major risk" that comes with retrofitting an older facility, as seen in the cost overruns that plagued the re-doing of North Bay Memorial Gardens.

Read the consultant's report here.