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Albion Arena Renovations and Accessibility Upgrades

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The project presents a major transformation of this City of Toronto sports and recreation complex. The facility needed some major upgrades, including mechanical and accessibility, and the City's funding was timely.

There were two major disadvantages of the existing facility in this regard - lack of openness and natural light, as well as lack of visual connection between the entry lobby and the ice rink, which is the focal point of the building.

The solutions were found within the existing building composition: the north-south spine was revealed by removing existing walls, ramp and stairs, and the east-west composition axis was strengthen by incorporating new stairs and new staff office overlooking the lounge area.

New spacious vestibule with sliding doors, large glazing and welcoming canopy bring natural light to a new lobby leading to the arena. New insulated glass sliding doors and screens separate the ice rink from the adjacent common spaces while keeping the visual  connections between them.

We went beyond the minimum required code and engineering upgrades, to transform the building's architecture. The project includes fully transformed barrier-free change rooms, viewing areas, community lounge and zamboni room extension. The ice rink exterior metal siding was replaced with new insulated metal panels. The mechanical and electrical systems were fully upgraded.

The project has been recognized by the City as the best and most accessible single-pad arena in Toronto.

Photography: Tom Arban

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