Grimsby, ON – April 6, 2026 — In January 2026, the Town of Grimsby officially opened the expanded Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre, marking a shift in how the community gathers, moves, and connects.

For years, the facility functioned primarily as an arena. It served its purpose, but over time it became clear that it no longer reflected the needs of a growing and changing population. The Town saw an opportunity to think bigger. Not just more ice time, but more ways for people of all ages and abilities to use the space. More flexibility. More access. A place that could support everyday recreation while also bringing the community together in new ways.

That vision set the direction for the project.

Working closely with Town staff, mcCallumSather approached the expansion not as an addition, but as a reconsideration of what the Peach King Centre could be. Early conversations challenged assumptions carried forward from previous studies and opened the door to a broader program. The result is a facility that now includes a double gymnasium, indoor walking track, youth and fitness spaces, flexible multipurpose rooms, and universal change rooms, alongside upgrades to the existing arena.

The design response focused on clarity and connection. A reoriented entrance and a double-height lobby create immediate visibility across the building, helping people intuitively understand where to go. Program spaces are organized to maximize views to the escarpment and surrounding green space, reinforcing a connection between indoor activity and the landscape beyond. What was once inward-looking is now open, legible, and welcoming.

Material and system choices were driven by long-term thinking. A high-performance envelope, all-electric systems, and durable interior finishes support reduced energy demand and operational resilience over time. Structural and planning strategies allow spaces to shift and adapt without major disruption, recognizing that community needs will continue to evolve.

Inclusivity also became a defining move. The introduction of universal change rooms and private washroom facilities reflects changing expectations around accessibility, privacy, and comfort. It is a quiet but meaningful shift away from traditional recreation models toward something more responsive to how people actually use these spaces today.

The project extended beyond the building itself. The site was reorganized to improve pedestrian flow, connect to Town Hall and surrounding parkland, and create a more cohesive civic campus. Parking, one of the most complex aspects of the project, was rethought to balance capacity with safety, access, and future flexibility.

Construction added another layer of complexity. The arena remained operational throughout hockey seasons, requiring careful phasing, temporary access strategies, and close coordination with Town staff. Delivered under a construction management model, design and construction progressed in parallel, demanding a high level of collaboration and ongoing decision-making across the team.

For mcCallumSather, the project reflects a broader approach to civic work. It is less about delivering a single building and more about helping municipalities navigate change. Projects like the Peach King Centre sit at the intersection of aging infrastructure, shifting demographics, and rising expectations around performance and inclusivity. The role of the design team is to guide those transitions in a way that is practical, durable, and grounded in how communities actually function.

The Peach King Centre is now open to the public, positioned to serve Grimsby for decades to come.

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Media Contact
Alicia Giammaria
Senior Public Relations and Communications Manager
mcCallumSather
aliciag@mccallumsather.com
www.mccallumsather.com