When a 1950s-built Quesnel Arena could no longer meet the ice programming needs of local residents, the Cariboo Regional District decided to replace it with a new facility that would expand its ability to host community events in the province’s Central Interior.
This new arena would not only need to provide an NHL-sized ice rink, but it would also need the flexibility to act as a venue for live entertainment, trade shows and community events. Adding to these design challenges, both existing facilities (Twin Arenas Complex and Quesnel Arena) were to remain fully operational until the new arena was completed.
As such, the new 1,400-seat West Fraser Centre was sited adjacent to the existing Twin Arenas complex, with a link connecting the buildings. The building itself is comprised of concrete and steel, however, Fast + Epp took considerable measures to incorporate local wood products to highlight the region’s booming forestry industry.
The roof, for instance, features curved steel girder trusses that metaphorically reference a hockey stick, with a wood slat ceiling assembly over the arena. Meanwhile, the lobby roof uses cross-laminated timber panels, a warm and durable treatment with carbon sequestering capabilities.