September 2022 was a momentous month for the Town of Assiniboia as the new Southland Co-op Centre opened its doors for the first time. The facility houses a massive NHL sized ice surface, modern dressing rooms, a walking track, and much more. Sadly, it also meant the Assiniboia Civic Centre was no longer needed. Demolition on the former recreation facility started this week.
The Civic Centre first opened in 1958 and has played host to several events over the years including the Allan Cup western finals in April of 1992, the 2001-02 Western Canadian Jr. B Championship in April 2002, provincial curling bonspiels, and home to the Southern Rebels Junior Hockey Club for many years. In other words, many memories were created at the “old barn” in Assiniboia, which sparked a reunion of sorts in April of 2022. People who once called this town home and those who still call it home, converged at the civic centre to reminisce about what the facility meant to them. After all, for nearly 65 years the arena was the gathering point in the community whether it be for hockey, figure skating, trade shows or anything else that was going to draw a large crowd.
The civic centre saw its fair share of upgrades over the years as well. A new sound system was added along with an aluma-zorb ceiling. An aluma-zorb ceiling is an energy improvement system meant for arenas to decrease the amount of electricity consumption and make a facility operate much cheaper. Dressing rooms were also improved over the years with the addition of showers for players after games. By 2011, it became apparent the community had outgrown the “old barn” and it was time for a new arena in Assiniboia. After years of fundraising by the Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association, grants, and hard work, the sod was turned in 2021 for a new $15.7 million recreation complex.
This week crews moved into Assiniboia and began the demolition of the old civic centre. Only pictures, stories, and memories will soon remain of a once bustling community hub.
