The Municipality of Grey Highlands says restoration work at the Markdale Arena is progressing well, with skaters expected to return to the ice on December 1.
The facility has been closed since a fire in August of 2025 caused extensive damage, particularly to the arena's wooden roof structure.
In its latest update, the municipality says, "the project remains on schedule, with December 1, 2026, still our anticipated date for skaters to return to the ice!"
Restoration work has included structural and roofing repairs, upgrades to electrical and fire safety systems, interior restoration and replacement of a section of arena boards.
Crews are also preparing to restart the arena's refrigeration plant.
The municipality says specialized engineering requirements and coordination with insurance providers have made the restoration process more complicated than originally anticipated.
An earlier update identified additional repairs needed to address soot and fire damage to the roof structure, which pushed back the reopening timeline.
Grey Highlands says it appreciates the community's patience throughout the extended closure and looks forward to welcoming skaters back in December.
