The first day of business in 2011 included opening the doors to the newly renovated Memorial Arena, where anxious hockey players and figure skaters could test out the new and improved digs. There’s a lot for the user groups to be impressed by.

The upgrade rang in at nearly $3.6 million, funded in part by the federal government’s Recreation Infrastructure Canada program. The remaining funding came from the City of Cranbrook.

At the ribbon cutting for the arena, Kootenay Columbia MP Jim Abbott spoke about how the economy’s downturn was the impetus for the federal program that helped fund the renovations.

“Out of a very bad thing, we have this very good thing,” said Abbott.

Included in the renovations were replacement of the arena slab, boards and glass; the arena exterior roof and front entrance upgrade; new metal siding; new arena lighting; and electrical upgrades thanks to a partnership with BC Hydro.

Diane Tammen, BC Hydro’s community relations manager for the East Kootenay region, said the corporation was pleased to be involved in helping to fund a project that not only supports the community but is also a greener and more efficient facility.

“We were able to provide what was needed in terms of an electrical upgrade for this facility to operate on energy efficient equipment,” said Tammen. “It’s a win-win in that we’re conserving energy and reducing operating costs.”

Also in attendance were East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett, Mayor Scott Manjak, City of Cranbrook Leisure Services representatives and two young members of Cranbrook minor hockey.