(Paris, ON)   A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to mark the start of construction of the County of Brant’s new Twin Pad Arena Complex.  The ceremony was attended by Mayor Ron Eddy, MP Phil McColeman, Bob Yuhasz (representative for MPP Dave Levac), members of Council and representatives from the project architect Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners and construction contractor Aquicon Construction Company Ltd.      

“This groundbreaking is a long-awaited special event for the residents of the County of Brant.  It marks the beginning of the construction of our Twin Pad Arena that will provide opportunities for everyone in the County, but especially the children,” said Mayor Ron Eddy.  “I sincerely thank all our Councillors, staff, members of the community and the federal and provincial governments for their support in making this much anticipated project a reality.”

$14,250,000 in funding for the Twin Pad project is being provided by the federal and provincial governments under the Communities Component of the Build Canada Fund.  The total project costs are estimated to be $20 million.

“When this stimulus money was announced I said together we’d get through this global economic downturn,” said MP Phil McColeman. “And together we are.”

The Twin Pad Complex will be an inviting community gathering place.  This barrier-free building will have two NHL regulation sized rinks, seating for approximately 335 for each rink, 12 dressing rooms with two that are fully accessible, two separate entrances, a large community room, two additional multi-purpose rooms and 300 parking spaces.  It will be located at 944 Powerline Road at Rest Acres Road with easy access from Highway 403. 

“I want to congratulate all the hard working people in the County who have dedicated themselves to make this dream a reality,” said MPP Dave Levac.  “We now stand to not only benefit from a new arena but benefit economically from its spin offs, which will create jobs and momentum for Brant’s economy.”

Construction will begin early August with an anticipated completion date in the fall 2010.