Enmax Centre master plan revealed
Global News
"Part of the motion was to take some of it and to plan for the operating budget and plan for the capital budget and both of them are down the line,” Coun. Belinda Crowson said
As Lethbridge considers what to do with the aging Enmax Centre, three very different options are up for debate.
Maintain the current arena, modify the current set up for more seating and restaurants, or option three: build a whole new complex.
Enmax Centre general manager Kim Gallucci believes that if they move into scenario two and then plan to go in the direction of the third, things will turn out well for everyone.
“(Number) two gives us a chance to expand some of the benefits to the patrons and our clients, and generate a bit more revenue for a much smaller capital cost,” Gallucci said.
Enmax Centre has been a fixture in Lethbridge since it was built in 1974. Its first big gig was the 1975 Canada games.
Since then, it has hosted countless events, but the arena is showing its age and although there have been a series of upgrades, Gallucci believes in thinking ahead.
“We had completed the renovation in 2012. That renovation gave the Enmax Centre another 20 years, which we are well now into,” Gallucci explained “And as you know, if you want to plan for the future, you should start early.”
The report on the centre was accepted by the committee as information, with council members insisting they’re not agreeing to spend $150 million, at least not yet.