FACT CHECK: Earl Armstrong Arena is not going anywhere.

The City is investing millions of dollars in Earl Armstrong Arena through ongoing and planned upgrades, demonstrating a clear commitment to keeping the facility open, well-maintained, and serving the community for years to come.

June 12, 2026 by Andrea Shane

There has been a lot of misinformation circulating recently, so let’s focus on the facts.

The City continues to make significant investments in Earl Armstrong Arena.

Projects planned for this year include:

HVAC unit replacement in the upstairs hall

Spectator stand heater upgrades

Chiller replacement

Last fall and winter, the upstairs hall flooring and kitchen flooring were also replaced.

Ongoing capital investments at Earl Armstrong Arena include:

Air Handling Unit Replacement (Design Tender Phase) – approximately $177,000

Fire Suppression System Replacement (Construction Phase) – approximately $842,000

Radiant Heating Panel Replacement (Planning Phase) – approximately $151,000

Hall Flooring and Cabinet Replacement (Close-Out Phase) – approximately $267,000

In addition, larger investments already identified over the next three to five years include replacement of the rink slab, the ice refrigeration system, and sections of the roof.

The reality is simple: municipalities do not invest millions of dollars into facilities they intend to close. Based on the work that has already been completed and the investments that are planned, the building remains in good shape for many years to come. These upcoming investments, many of which are already budgeted for, will only extend the life of the facility further.

It is unfortunate that fear-mongering and the twisting of facts around a handful of City facilities are being used to benefit an electoral campaign. Suggesting that Earl Armstrong Arena is somehow at risk is simply not supported by the facts.

Will there be discussions during the City’s 2027 asset review? Absolutely. Every municipality must periodically review its assets and make decisions about how facilities are maintained and funded. There may be difficult conversations about some facilities, but those conversations should be based on facts, not speculation.

When it comes to our beloved Earl Armstrong Arena, residents, players, coaches, parents, and user groups can be confident that the facility is receiving substantial investment and remains firmly part of the City’s future.

Facts matter.