The Centre Grey Recreation Complex in Markdale will remain closed until next Spring.
No ice went in this fall, and hockey teams have had to reschedule their ice time in other arenas in the area, after the Complex was closed at the end of September.
Grey Highlands Mayor Brian Mullin says an Industry Canada grant of 425 thousand dollars for improvements to the building, has a deadline on it of March 31st, 2010 for all the work to be done.
Mullin says council was caught somewhat off guard by the tight timeline, but tenders will be opened soon and work should begin in the next 6-8 weeks.
In total, the project is worth 675 thousand dollars and includes an elevator that will be installed in the second storey community hall as well as an upgrade to the kitchen.
The arena will see renovations to the entrance to make it accessible.
Mullin says they’ll also be upgrading some of the ice making equipment and the heating system to make it more energy efficient.
He says with the facilities being more than 30 years old…the work was a priority for the municipality.