Courtesy City of Quesnel

Prince George, B.C. – This is an enormous weekend for the people of Quesnel as they celebrate the official opening of their brand new arena.

Festivities are planned for both today and tomorrow at the opening of the 1,400 seat West Fraser Centre.  The $20.6 million facility has an NHL-sized ice surface, seating on three sides, a walking track and a wooden ceiling and highlights.  It replaces the aging Twin Arenas in the community.

The arena project is being paid for through a combination of sub-regional recreation taxation, $4 million from the Province of British Columbia, $2 million from Northern Development Initiative Trust and $1.5 million from community fundraising including $1 million from West Fraser Mills.

The grand opening weekend festivities get started with a concert at 7 tonight featuring Vancouver’s 54.40.  Then tomorrow from 2 to 5 pm there will be public tours of the facility, public skating, a tailgate party and a sports hall of fame presentation.  And it’s all capped off by the official opening ceremony and a Canucks Alumni hockey game at 6 pm.