City of Richmond purchases Richmond Ice Centre complex of 6 ice rinks
Without setting foot into a major construction project, the City of Richmond is suddenly the owner of an additional six ice rinks.
The municipal government announced it has acquired Richmond Ice Centre, located at 14140 Triangle Road in Riverport Sports and Entertainment Complex (RSEC).
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The significant recreational facility, featuring six regulation-size ice rinks, opened in 1994 as a privately built and operated complex.
But with the acquisition, instead of paying ongoing annual lease costs for the public use of the ice rinks, the funding will go towards much-needed renovations and upgrades that will allow the complex to remain operational for a few more decades.
In an email to Daily Hive, City of Richmond spokesperson Clay Adams was unable to discuss the municipal government’s acquisition price for the property due to the terms of the agreement. But he says “the deal has resulted in a significant net financial gain based on assessed values plus no longer paying annual lease costs to the private operator.”
Layout of Richmond Ice Centre. (Richmond Ice Centre)
RSEC’s attractions also include Cineplex’s Silver City Riverport Cinemas (assessed value of $40.7 million), Lucky 9 Lanes bowling alley (assessed value of $19.2 million), and the buildings that house Watermania, Extreme Air Park, and Planet Lazer Tag.
With the acquisition of Richmond Ice Centre, the municipal government now has 10 city-owned ice rinks, including the two ice rinks at Minoru Arena and another two ice rinks at Richmond Olympic Oval.
Richmond Ice Centre is heavily used, home to Richmond Jets Minor Hockey, Richmond Ringette, Richmond Ravens, Connaught Skating Club, and Coast Hockey. It provides year-round ice skating and lessons, as well as dry floor rink access and tournament capacity for up to 50 teams.
There are four dressing rooms per rink, two meeting rooms, skate and helmet rentals, and free on-site parking.
Aerial of Riverport Sports and Entertainment Complex in Richmond, where Richmond Ice Centre is located. (Google Maps)