On the heels of renovations to the 40-year-old community centre, the newly-named Jefferson Elora Community Centre is ready to open its doors within the month.

It will have a "soft open" Nov. 29 according to a media release from the Township of Centre Wellington.

Renovations saw a fresh rink and lobby be designed and installed, as well as new netting to surround the glass around the playing surface. The release from the township says the soft opening will include dressing rooms for on-ice users, the ice surface, bleachers, the lobby and restrooms. Other upgrades include a new refrigeration system and accessibility upgrades. The goal was to get the older building up to AODA standards through the renovations.

Some amenities like the score clock and community hall may not be available until January 2024, the township stated. Added ice that will be offered from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 will be given first to minor sports associations, then to adult recreation groups.

Matt Tucker, township manager of facilities, says while the precedent is to get the ice into the hands of minor sports groups first, he's excited to share it with the adults as well.

"Adult groups have been very patient in waiting to get on the ice and I appreciate their patience," Tucker stated.

"I'm looking forward to filling up our ice again with all three ice pads," he added.

Tucker went on to say ice has been a valuable commodity since construction started.

"Ice definitely is a premium in Centre Wellington. Having a pad down, it created a tough go for these minor sports groups and the volunteers," Tucker said.

"We did see a lot of those groups having to look for ice to the North East and West of us. Being able to open early and offer local ice for the minor sports groups, I'm hoping that will really help them out," he concluded.

A grand opening will take place in early 2024 in an effort to celebrate the project.

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