Recreation and Culture Division looking for photos, memorabilia of the W.J. McMeeken Centre

The Sault Ste. Marie Recreation and Culture Division is looking for community photos and memorabilia of the W.J. McMeeken Centre as part of a display in the new expanded Northern Community Centre, the city said in a news release issued today.  

“When we see the demolition of the 56 year old W.J McMeeken Centre, we want to look back at times we shared in this arena as a community. We are looking for letters, newsletters, clippings, photographs, artwork, or other materials that include the McMeeken Centre’s construction, history and memories of its various uses,” said Brent Lamming, Director of Community Services in the release.   

Demolition of the W.J. McMeeken Centre is scheduled following the 2022-2023 season with anticipated completion of the new twin pad arena by the end of 2022.

For more information, see the full release below: 

The Sault Ste. Marie Recreation and Culture Division is collecting community photos and memorabilia of the W.J. McMeeken Centre as part of a display in the new expanded Northern Community Centre. As construction progresses at the Northern Community Centre, the City wants to ensure that a vital part of our community’s west end history is preserved.  

“When we see the demolition of the 56 year old W.J McMeeken Centre, we want to look back at times we shared in this arena as a community. We are looking for letters, newsletters, clippings, photographs, artwork, or other materials that include the McMeeken Centre’s construction, history and memories of its various uses,” said Brent Lamming, Director of Community Services.   

Demolition of the W.J. McMeeken Centre is scheduled following the 2022-2023 season with anticipated completion of the new twin pad arena by the end of 2022. Features of the new twin pad site will include two NHL size ice pads, 10 change rooms, community meeting room and gathering spaces, an elevated barrier free lobby, a skate sharpening pro shop and a walking track.  

McMeeken memorabilia will be collected until April 1, 2022 to be later displayed at the new twin-pad facility. Paper and digital material can be brought to the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre or email csd@cityssm.on.ca. All photos provided will be owned by the person submitting them, and such submission will be deemed consent to be able to use and display the images. For more information, contact Aliesha Moore, Arts & Culture Lead at 705-989-8240 or email a.moore@cityssm.on.ca.