New Simmons sports centre nearing the finish line

Crews are in the final stages of finishing construction on the new Simmons sports centre in Charlottetown.

City staff confirmed the facility is expected to open next week, on Oct.14.

The remaining work includes some landscaping, painting, furniture placement and a few other minor jobs. The stadium seats, elevator and wifi network have already been installed.

The new sports centre will be open year-round, featuring an NHL-sized rink with seating for nearly 600 people, anindoor walking track and an outdoor swimming pool.

The structure replaces the old Simmons sports centre, which was demolished this summer.

The City of Charlottetown had originally planned to finish construction last October, but pushed its timeline back due to supply chain issues in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The final cost of the new facility is expected to be about $33 million.