A 78-year-old icon in Queen’s Park collapsed Monday, Dec. 19, leaving hundreds of New Westminster residents reeling.
Fortunately, city workers heard noises and escaped the Arenex before it caved in. While the city is still investigating the collapse, it is assumed the weight of snow and ice on its flat roof was the cause. Whether its collapse could have been prevented or foreseen is yet to be determined.
The Arenex was a recreational home to thousands of athletes and spectators over the decades.
The city will now have to decide whether to rebuild the facility on the existing site or include it in the Canada Games Pool/Centennial Community Centre replacement project.
Meanwhile, the city has started a Facebook memories page for folks to share memories. Go to: www.facebook.com and search “Remembering the Arenex.”
