New-look arena reopens in Mississauga with community centre to follow in November

One of the oldest indoor hockey and skating rinks in Mississauga has reopened to the public complete with numerous improvements to the facility.

Chic Murray Arena, which has been closed for more than two years for extensive renovations, is now open once again, according to parks and recreation officials with the City of Mississauga.

The arena, part of the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre that’s also been closed since early 2021 for massive renovation work, has reopened its doors complete with the following upgrades:

• refreshed lower and upper arena lobby areas
• new sliding doors to entrance
• new speakers and sound system
• updated vanities in dressing rooms
• fresh paint throughout the facility
• snow melt pit for ice shavings
• roll-out of electric Zamboni

While the arena has reopened, work continues on the rest of the community centre, which is scheduled to reopen to residents in November, according to officials.

“At this time, only the arena is open to the public. The fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms and aquatics centre will open in the coming months,” parks and recreation officials said in a post to social media this week.

When Burnhamthorpe Community Centre fully reopens two months from now, it will feature a new aquatics centre and a new equipment-based fitness centre, among other upgrades and additions (see video below). 

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Built in 1974, the east Mississauga facility, located on Gulleden Drive near Dixie and Burnhamthorpe roads, did undergo a major gym expansion in 2004.

However, the aging facility was due a major overhaul “to meet the needs of the community” when it shut down to the public in early 2021 for renovations, which total about $40 million, the City said.

“The redevelopment will include the renovation of existing infrastructure to address population growth and changing demographics in the area,” City officials said in an earlier online project update. “It will also involve the construction of a new addition that will feature a state-of-the-art aquatics centre and equipment-based fitness space.

“Due to site constraints and design requirements, the addition will be connected to the north side of the existing building, which includes the area on the northeast corner currently occupied by the Burnhamthorpe outdoor rink,” officials continued. “Subject to community consultation, a new refrigerated rink will be added to Gulleden Park as part of the planned park redevelopment that is aligned with the building’s reopening.”

The new aquatics centre will include a six-lane, 25-metre pool, warm water therapy pool and multi-purpose space for swim parties and other functions, according to the City.

The fitness centre will be equipped with cardio machines, weights and a fitness studio with wood-sprung floor.  

Burnhamthorpe Community Centre is also receiving: 

• enhancements to existing multi-purpose spaces to improve social and recreation opportunities for residents
• facility design modernization and improved accessibility within the building
• improved front entrance and access from parking lot
• upgrades to the exterior appearance
• new green space and improved connection to Jaycee Park
• improved sustainable and accessible design standards

“The renovation will provide improved infrastructure for Mississauga’s citizens for generations to come,” City officials said earlier. “This redevelopment project follows the City’s design principles to integrate sound, functional, accessible and attractive buildings, facilities, public and open spaces that build a city for the 21st century.”

An official grand reopening ceremony is being planned for spring of 2024.

Rendering of what the swimming pool area will look like. (Image: City of Mississauga)