Prince Edward Island’s Credit Union Place offers virtually everything: leisure pool; hot tub; water slide; six-lane, 25m lap pool (with 200-person seating capacity); fitness centre; squash courts; offices and conference rooms; retail shops; an eight-lane bowling alley; and a double NHL-size hockey arena. Designing and constructing such a facility is no easy task, specifically when it comes to the environmental challenges of swimming pools and ice surfaces. It’s why BMR was the partner of choice for the city of Summerside.

Constructed in phases - primarily so that two existing rinks could remain in use temporarily until new arenas were constructed - the new complex is a study in reliable, responsible design.  Large trusses support steel purlins that span over the main 3600-seat event arena. The exterior walls utilize non-load bearing masonry, with lateral load resistance provided by steel cross bracing. This mammoth facility is undoubtedly one of BMR’s proudest accomplishments.

Details

Client: City of Summerside, PEI
Year Completed: 2007
Key Points:   

• Received Lieutenant Governor's Award for Architecture, 2007
• Winner of the Architectural Merit Division (2008 American Concrete Institute)
• Features custom-designed steel trusses to accommodate long, clear spans
• Aquatic Centre required specific materials to withstand damp environment