New "stacked" 4 plex in Toronto

[Netminder32 32]

The new "stacked" four plex arena in downtown Toronto is one step closer to being built. City council voted unanimously to proceed with construction despite a funding shortfall. This place will be incredible when completed. I so want to play a game on the top floor. :)

Full Article:

CBC Article Link

[Law Goalie 147]

It does look really neat, and the fact that it takes advantage of newer, more efficient 'green' construction and cooling systems can only be a good thing in the long run.

The location is something of a double-edged sword. A new downtown rink seems like a great idea when most of the newer rinks are well outside it. What concerns me is that this is still a departure from the 'community arena' model that the City just acknowledged was probably the only way to keep the game from dying. I wonder how many neighbourhood single-pad rinks could be renovated or built from scratch on the same budget.

[eric42434224 1]

Regardless of any benefits of this project, approving a project in which nearly a third of the funding is unaccounted for, is just plain irresponsible. Looks cool though.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Will it be ready for MSH Summer Jam '12?

[howtohockey 3]

I think it is a great idea, it frees up a lot of space for future development and will be a great addition to the lakefront.

[Law Goalie 147]

Regardless of any benefits of this project, approving a project in which nearly a third of the funding is unaccounted for, is just plain irresponsible.

Ah, good old Hogtown. When all else fails, a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Outgoing Mayor approved big project with only a portion of the money allocated. Hmm....it's the new guys problem now. WOnder if this will ever actually happen.

Ask Hamilton what's it's like to get a new facility built

[hyprlte 0]

I can't see any people rushing downtown to play hockey.. traffic would be a nightmare for anybody heading in from the suburbs. It looks cool though, I also think the high speed elevator would be an interesting twist "sorry im late boys, I got stuck in the elevator for 30 min" lol

[JBarrera 0]

The only benefit that I can think of is attracting high profile Minor hockey tournaments. I think it's a great idea, but it's a big risk.

[automorph 0]

yeah playing downtown is a b!@$%.....you always need to leave early whether it be traffic, construction, etc etc

[hyprlte 0]

The only benefit that I can think of is attracting high profile Minor hockey tournaments. I think it's a great idea, but it's a big risk.

I agree, there won't be any pro teams around that would use this facility. Im guessing GTHL or OHA teams would probably use it the majority of the time. Im sure they would add another adult rec league too.

[hockeymom 2]

If you think playing downtown is rough, try living downtown, lol. Driving my life away.

The plan is my daughter is going to drive herself to practices this winter (after collecting a full set of jersey's from the four 416 teams, she's branching out to the GTA and playing in Markham). I was getting a bit excited about off-loading practices (I've only missed 3 practices and 2 games in 12+ years of hockey). We noticed they are putting in a diamond lane on the DVP (about time) and spying that, she now says I'm still going to have to come to practices with her. We'll see about that.

I'm of two minds with that new arena. The city certainly needs more ice and this is a cool design. However, I can't quite believe that going "up" is cost effective (the more typical, sprawled out design was shot down because it took up too much space and turned vast amounts of land into a parking lot). And I'm wondering how accessible it will be by TTC.

[hyprlte 0]

I agree with you about the TTC aspect... if it's close to a station it will probably generate more traffic. As for the diamond lanes they should work lengthening them through the entire don valley!!! Its really needed at the 404/401 intersection. Always a zoo there

[maxamillion 3]

I'd want to play on the top floor simply for the fact that when it collapses, I'll be on top of the pile! just kidding that is friggin unreal and a great use of space.

[shotty 7]

what are they gonna do when the zamboni elevator malfunctions?

[Law Goalie 147]

Shovels and squeegees, presumably...

The proposed site is not even remotely TTC accessible. It's designed for people coming off the DVP. There are very, very few rinks in the city I'd call truly TTC-friendly. Even the Varsity just hosed everyone by putting their entrance around the back of the rink - as far from St. George Station as physically possible.

[hyprlte 0]

Shovels and squeegees, presumably...

The proposed site is not even remotely TTC accessible. It's designed for people coming off the DVP. There are very, very few rinks in the city I'd call truly TTC-friendly. Even the Varsity just hosed everyone by putting their entrance around the back of the rink - as far from St. George Station as physically possible.

Yep... Good old Varsity arena, brings back old memories. As for this arena, as long as you dont have to be at the rink between 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm you should be ok with the traffic. LOL

[Law Goalie 147]

But they've got to serve that puny little parking lot behind Trinity - you know, because of all that athletic traffic on Devonshire, and of course, lock up the old back entrance off Philosopher's Walk to make it as inconvenient as possible for anyone from St. Mike's, Vic, UC - well, any of the other colleges to access the rink.

[Fisticuffs 0]

what are they gonna do when the zamboni elevator malfunctions?

I presume they'll have a Zam on each floor (the article didn't say either way). In Pittsfield, Mass, there is a Boys Club where the rink is on the 6th floor of the building. Dragging your bag up 6 floors was a nice warm-up.

My local rink is on the 8th floor of a parking garage... which is odd.

[Netminder32 32]

I presume they'll have a Zam on each floor (the article didn't say either way). In Pittsfield, Mass, there is a Boys Club where the rink is on the 6th floor of the building. Dragging your bag up 6 floors was a nice warm-up.

My local rink is on the 8th floor of a parking garage... which is odd.

That is so kewl... I love when they just jam an arena in somewhere you would never expect to find one. One of my all time favourite experiences was playing at one of the Canlon Toronto rinks which was located underneath a Chinese food restaurant.

It was so wierd pulling up and thinking "we surely have the wrong address..." only to notice a small sign over a set of stairs indicating there really was an arena there.

Big plus...the dressing room smelled like chinese food (mmmmm) instead of stinky gear.

[Fisticuffs 0]

That is so kewl... I love when they just jam an arena in somewhere you would never expect to find one. One of my all time favourite experiences was playing at one of the Canlon Toronto rinks which was located underneath a Chinese food restaurant.

It was so wierd pulling up and thinking "we surely have the wrong address..." only to notice a small sign over a set of stairs indicating there really was an arena there.

Big plus...the dressing room smelled like chinese food (mmmmm) instead of stinky gear.

If you were looking for a hockey rink, you'd have a pretty good sense you were heading in the right direction when you saw the 30 foot tall banners of Ovechkin, Green, Langway, Bondra et al when you drove up to the building.

Its also Metro accessible. Its a bit odd seeing people walk out of the subway with a hockey bag.

Looks sorta like this, except it has the new Caps logo and banners outside, and the actual parking structure looks shabbier in person.

Cool facility though. Two NHL sized sheets, plus the Capitals offices up there. They did a lot of work to reinforce the building to accommodate the weight.

[Netminder32 32]

OMG...that is Awesome! What a great use of space.

I might have to add this arena to my "bucket list".

[Law Goalie 147]

That is so kewl... I love when they just jam an arena in somewhere you would never expect to find one. One of my all time favourite experiences was playing at one of the Canlon Toronto rinks which was located underneath a Chinese food restaurant.

It was so wierd pulling up and thinking "we surely have the wrong address..." only to notice a small sign over a set of stairs indicating there really was an arena there.

Big plus...the dressing room smelled like chinese food (mmmmm) instead of stinky gear.

Haha - gotta love Canlan Vic Park!-- especially when the sand starts coming through the ice...

[Netminder32 32]

Thanks Duncan! I couldn't remember the name of that one to save my life today...

here's a picture of what I'm talking about...

[JBarrera 0]

LOL!!!! my 2 favourite things. Chinese food and hockey in 1 roof!