Renovate & Modernize
June 18, 2013
Earlier this year, the Arts Centre for Edson Society (ACES) announced its new slogan, “Arts & Culture Matter”. Although this slogan speaks clearly about ACES intent to develop a new theatre in Edson, it should be noted that their project will help more than just arts and culture.
“This project is about building a community project,” says ACES President Peter Taylor. “This project will renovate and modernize the Rec Complex and bring a new demographic of users.”
Many people are aware of ACES current plan to attach a 500 seat theatre and visual arts gallery to the Edson & District Recreation Complex, however they are unaware that the building would also be renovated as well. In fact, many unique additions would be added to the building, which was originally built in the early 1980’s. The proposed renovations include:
- Reducing the curling rink from 8 sheets of ice to 6
- Insolating the curling rink
- Expanding the deck area around the lounge
- Bleachers in the curling rink
- Expanding the lounge area
- Updating the electrical and plumbing needs
ACES believes each of these items, which were recommendations from the Edson & District Recreation Society, will help modernize the building and allow it to be more fiscally useable. “Currently, powering eight sheets of ice with no insolated walls is very expensive,” says ACES Vice-President Dave Michie, who also sits as a board member on the Edson & District Recreation Society. “Making these changes will undoubtedly create a huge cost savings for our facility.” Michie also explains how reducing the sheets will not alter the curling schedule. “Curling has changed over the years and six sheets will still adequately accommodate all the Curling Club’s needs in the future.”
ACES is extremely excited about the prospect of bringing new life into one of the community’s oldest buildings. “There are so many positives about this partnership,” says Taylor. “We are not taking away from any facilities in town, but we are only adding things to a current facility to make it more useable. It’s win-win across the board.” Taylor mentions that the current meeting rooms, conferences rooms, and kitchen facilities found in the building would also be updated during the renovations.
ACES project is still working towards a completion-date. Currently, there are no funds to develop the project at this time, but ACES wishes to become the number one priority of Edson Town Council once funding becomes available.
If you would like more information on this article please feel free to contact Peter Taylor, President of ACES at 780-725-2006, visit their website, artscentreforedson.ca, join the Facebook page: “Arts Centre for Edson Society”, or follow them on Twitter, ACESEdson.
PDF – Renovate & Modernize – June 18, 2013