Rapids Build Fan Zone, Video Booth and Team Dressing Room

July 28–October 13, 2023

During the summer before their inaugural season, the Paugan Falls Rapids undertook an ambitious renovation project at the Gatineau Valley Arena. What began as a plan to create a more functional team dressing room grew into a major transformation that added new spectator space, established a dedicated location for recording games and improved several areas throughout the facility.

Led by Randy Peck, the project brought together more than 50 volunteers who contributed thousands of hours between the beginning of demolition on July 28 and final completion on October 13, 2023. Sue Rogan developed several preliminary concepts for the renovation, with Option C ultimately serving as the foundation for the completed design.

Creating the Rapids Fan Zone

The corner beyond the arena’s rightmost section of stands had previously consisted largely of an underused hallway and open space. When plans to expand Dressing Room 4 required a new roof, the project team recognized an opportunity to make that roof serve a second purpose: an elevated spectator area with an excellent view from the corner of the rink.

The idea became known among volunteers as the “Corner of Dreams,” a nickname Randy Peck gave the area because of the number of improvements being brought together in one corner of the arena.

Construction began with the demolition of the existing area. Volunteers then removed a concrete ramp and created a level floor before installing a structural beam, framing the expanded rooms below and building the elevated viewing platform above. The work also included insulation, plywood, painting, new doors, stairs and custom safety railings.

The completed Rapids Fan Zone significantly increased the arena’s spectator space and created one of its most distinctive viewing areas. What had once been an underused corner became a popular place for fans to gather and watch the action.

Building a Dedicated Video Booth

A second elevated platform was constructed between Dressing Rooms 2 and 3, bridging the previously unused gap between the arena’s two main sections of stands.

Built using a post-and-beam design, the new video booth created an unobstructed location from which Rapids games could be recorded. The platform was especially important because recording games is a requirement for the team, but it has also become a popular viewing location for spectators attending other events at the arena.

Rob Harris donated the large pine beam and support posts used in the platform’s construction. Custom railings fabricated by Bob Trinh completed the structure and helped make both the video booth and Fan Zone safe for regular use.

Expanding the Rapids Dressing Room

Dressing Room 4 was expanded and transformed into the Rapids dressing room. The renovation maintained the main player-changing area while adding much-needed space for coaches, team equipment, uniforms and laundry.

The completed area provided the team with a permanent home inside the arena and the facilities needed to manage its equipment and operations throughout the season. The room was finished in Rapids blue and prominently branded with the team’s logo.

Because the expansion required the removal of the arena’s existing curling storage room, volunteers also constructed a new and improved space as part of the project. The redesigned room provided a more organized storage solution for the arena’s 64 curling rocks.

Built Without Power

One of the most remarkable parts of the project was that much of the work took place while the arena’s hydro was disconnected for the summer. Volunteers worked using generators, portable lamps and temporary lighting as construction continued throughout the building.

Crews also repaired openings in the arena ceiling during the renovation. While completing that work, they recovered more than 100 hockey pucks that had accumulated above the ceiling over the years.

A Community Effort

The scale of the transformation was made possible through an extraordinary community effort. More than 50 volunteers contributed thousands of hours of labour, while local businesses and supporters provided materials, equipment, expertise and other assistance.

The Rapids gratefully recognize the support of:

• R. Peck Construction
• Bellai Alliance
• Materiaux Beausoleil Home Hardware
• Materiaux LSM
• Rob Harris
• Bob Trinh

When people entered the arena after the renovations, many could hardly believe how much had changed. The project created three spaces that were critical to the Rapids’ inaugural season while also delivering lasting improvements for the Gatineau Valley Arena and the wider community.

The Fan Zone, video booth and expanded dressing room stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when volunteers, businesses and community members work toward a shared goal.