Cloverdale celebrates the grand opening of its new Sport & Ice Complex—bringing long-awaited relief for local athletes and marking a new era for Surrey sports.
Cloverdale Skates Into a Bright Future
After years of anticipation, the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex officially opened its doors on October 25, and the excitement was nothing short of electric. With Premier David Eby, Mayor Brenda Locke, MLA Elenore Sturko, and MP Tamara Jansen all in attendance, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a major milestone for the Surrey community.
“This is a great day for Cloverdale,” Mayor Locke said, her enthusiasm echoing the crowd’s energy. “We’ve been waiting for this since 2017—and it finally happened!”
A Game-Changer for Local Sports
The $132.8 million project—jointly funded by the City of Surrey ($62.6 million) and the Province of British Columbia ($70.2 million)—took just over three years to complete. The result? A state-of-the-art facility boasting two NHL-sized ice rinks, with a third sheet already in the works and expected ahead of schedule in 2027.
Locke emphasized how the new complex will transform local sports, offering expanded space for hockey, ringette, figure skating, and dryfloor sports like lacrosse and ball hockey.
For years, a shortage of ice time has forced local teams to rent private rinks—sometimes in neighboring cities. “Families were driving all over the Lower Mainland for practices,” Locke recalled. “This changes everything.”
South Surrey Could Be Next
But the mayor isn’t stopping there. In a hint-filled speech, Locke teased a new multi-sheet arena project planned for South Surrey.
“As we celebrate Cloverdale today, our sights are already turning south,” she said. “That community deserves the same opportunities to play, connect, and thrive.”
The Barn Lives On
Worried that the beloved Cloverdale Arena, fondly called The Barn, might be on the chopping block? Don’t be. “The Barn is staying,” Locke confirmed with a smile. Recently refurbished, the arena now has a decade or more of life left—and remains a cherished piece of Cloverdale’s hockey history.
Local Teams Ready to Hit the Ice
At the grand opening, the atmosphere was buzzing. Cloverdale HC’s players, including captain Zach Johns, signed autographs for eager fans, while minor sport associations set up booths to connect with the community.
Local groups like the Surrey Minor Ball Hockey Association and the Surrey Lacrosse Association are already eyeing the complex’s dryfloor space for upcoming seasons. “It’ll make a huge difference,” said Kevin Holbeche, president of Surrey Lacrosse. “More games, more practices, and a true home base for our players.”
A New Chapter for Cloverdale
From the sound of skates on fresh ice to the roar of the first goal, the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex represents more than a new facility—it’s a symbol of community spirit, perseverance, and growth.
For Mayor Locke and the residents who’ve waited years, the message was clear: Cloverdale’s time has finally come.
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