Multi-sport facility could replace Charlottetown's aging Cody Banks Arena
CBC
Cody Banks Arena has created decades of memories for thousands of people, but the Charlottetown rink is due for some upgrades.
The facility in the Sherwood neighbourhood has been home to hockey, lacrosse, lawn bowling and more since it opened around 60 years ago.
Now, the arena is approaching the end of its lifespan, and the city could be looking at replacing it.
Coun. Bob Doiron grew up in the area, and said it was “pretty exciting” when the arena was built.
“I had a lot of memories here. You know, my kids all skated here. I played junior hockey here. Cody Banks, he was a great manager of our hockey teams and now the arena’s named after him, which is very fitting,” he said.
“It's a nice old rink.”
The city owns Cody Banks, and has hired a consultant to look at what could be done to replace it. A public meeting was held in December to gauge community input.
Doiron said a facility akin to the new Simmons Sports Centre —which opened in December 2024 and replaced a 50-year-old arena — would be welcome, complete with a warming centre and a walking track.
"You could come here on a cold day ... and you could walk on the track, watch your grandkids or kids play," Doiron said. "It's something that the whole community could get behind."
Coun. Mitch Tweel, chair of Charlottetown's public works committee, called the new Simmons complex “the benchmark” for replacing Cody Banks.
He said he wants to “raise the standard” of the Sherwood arena by upgrading the lawn bowling facilities, canteen and community room, and possibly adding a pool and walking track.
A replacement would likely come at a cost — the Simmons Sports Centre came in at a price tag of $36 million.
“When we make an investment of this proportion, it's going to be here for the next 50 to 60 years,” Tweel said. “We can't cut any corners. It's a major investment. Let's get it right the first time.”
Keith Ford, president of Greater Charlottetown Minor Hockey, said about 40 teams take to the ice at Cody Banks, and it's in use seven days a week.
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