The $30-million twin-pad replacement for the W.J. McMeeken Centre is on schedule for substantial completion in late January.
"We're well into the build right now," said Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services.
"I would say approximately 70 per cent of the way there."
"Right now, they're focusing on masonry. That's almost 100 per cent complete."
"They're working on insulation, drywall and taping," Lamming told a meeting of the parks and recreation advisory committee last week.
Also busy on the job site are electricians and plumbers, as well as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and painting contractors.
"We're happy with the progress. Things are staying on track right now. We hope to continue that way through to the end of the build."
Once the new arena at 556 Goulais Avenue is complete, Lamming says both facilities can't operate at the same time.
"Once you decide to change over, you must change over."
Lamming said city staff are working on public art for the new building.
"We had a bunch of submissions and they were short-listed to five."
"We're going to be evaluating those submissions as well for the art piece within the building."
The Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame will be moving to the new arena, said Virginia McLeod, the city's manager of recreation and culture.
In an unrelated matter, committee members were told that installation of new lighting at Rocky DiPietro Field has been delayed because they're waiting on brackets needed for the project.
The schedule has been pushed back a couple of weeks but installation is still planned for this fall.