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Ferro Building Systems Ltd. expects to begin installation of the pre-engineered steel structure for the City of Surrey’s Cloverdale Sport and Ice Complex in January 2024.

“As a subcontractor to Graham �鶹��ý����ion, Ferro will design, supply and install the steel structure,” said Patrick Hebert, VP of business development of the Surrey-based company. “When we have completed the installation, which is expected to take place in summer 2024, it will be just under 75,000 square feet in area.”

Graham �鶹��ý����ion and Engineering LP has been awarded three contracts by Surrey City Council for the following: The pre-engineered metal building structure in question, the construction of early works, the supply and installation of piles foundation, and the civil, form work, reinforcement steel and concrete supply.

�鶹��ý����ion of the ice complex began in August 2022. Along with new National Hockey League-size ice sheets, the project will have seating for 200 spectators on each rink, multi-purpose and community rooms, change rooms, concessions and a parking lot.

The site plan includes outdoor warm-up plazas and pedestrian connections to the adjacent park.

After laying the pile foundations, next to be completed are forming, rebar and concrete works as well as the installation of the prefabricated steel structure.

The ice sheets are expected to be ready for use in September 2024.

According to architect RDHA, in association with Taylor Kurtz Architecture + Design, the new facility “rethinks the traditional model for the building type” by bringing daylight and views to the arenas and exposing their activity to the street.

The ice surfaces will be placed end to end, and fully glazed on the north sides of the building. The lobby, change rooms and other public amenities will be located along the southern edge of the complex.

A wooden baffle assembly will be installed across the entire building. According to the architects, this will improve the acoustics in both arenas “and eliminate the typical visual jumble of exposed ceiling joists and roof deck, duct work, conduit and other infrastructure.”

In June, Surrey City Council approved an increase in the size of the project from two ice sheets to three.

�鶹��ý����ion of the third sheet is expected to begin in fall 2025 and ready for skates in summer 2027.

“The steel structure was originally designed so that it could accommodate a third rink,” said Ferro VP of operations Joel Spakowski.

As its name suggests, the complex is located in Cloverdale, one of six “town centres” in Surrey, a southeastern suburb of Vancouver.

Spakowski said the new facility will show the beauty and versatility of what can be built by using a pre-engineered steel structure.

“The large amount of glazing in the complex will allow plenty of natural light to flood in,” he said. “The glass will make the complex more energy-efficient, which will reduce the operating costs of the facility.”

Pre-engineered steel is an efficient way to build, said Spakowski.

“There is less time spent onsite,” he said. “All the steel components are bolted together at the building site, so there is very little welding that needs to be done. And pre-engineered steel can handle big spans without supporting columns.”

Patrick Hebert said the finished complex will not be “a typical square box.” “There will be many fine architectural touches, such as a curve in the roof,” he said. “And the exterior metal wall panels will be cut in such a way that they accentuate the natural beauty of the building.”

Hebert said Cloverdale has needed an upgraded ice surface for a long time. “It was a community project, and Ferro is a family business with deep roots in the community,” said Hebert. “We’re a family business that was started by my father, Jack Hebert. Joel and I are the next generation.”