Rapids Complete Spring Arena Improvements

May 2024

Following the conclusion of their inaugural season, the Paugan Falls Rapids returned to the Gatineau Valley Arena to complete another series of improvements throughout the facility.

More than 25 volunteers worked across multiple days, contributing their time and labour to refresh public areas, improve dressing-room amenities and address several maintenance needs around the arena.

Refreshing the Stands

One of the most visible parts of the project was the repainting of the spectator stands. Volunteers gave the concrete a fresh grey finish, painted the benches in Rapids blue and refinished the railings in black.

The edges of the concrete steps were also painted yellow, making them easier for spectators to identify while moving through the stands.

Improving Dressing Rooms and Shared Spaces

The project included work in several areas used by players, officials and arena visitors.

Volunteers installed plywood in the officials’ room and painted the space white. The walls beside Dressing Rooms 1, 2 and 3 were also repainted white, while the walls inside Dressing Room 4—the Rapids dressing room—received a fresh coat of paint.

New shower heads were purchased and installed in Dressing Rooms 1, 2 and 3, improving the facilities for the many teams and players who use the arena.

Inside the Rapids dressing room, a television was installed behind the track door for team video review.

Additional Arena Upgrades

Several other maintenance and accessibility improvements were completed during the project.

Steel siding near the players’ entrance was reinstalled, and the Rapids Fan Zone wall was repainted white to correct yellowing that had developed since its original construction.

The Rapids also purchased and installed a baby changing station in the women’s washroom, adding an important amenity for families attending games and other events at the arena.

Altogether, the spring project included:

• Repainting the stands, benches, railings and step edges
• Reinstalling steel siding near the players’ entrance
• Installing plywood and repainting the officials’ room
• Repainting the Rapids Fan Zone wall
• Repainting Dressing Room 4
• Installing new shower heads in Dressing Rooms 1, 2 and 3
• Installing a baby changing station in the women’s washroom
• Installing a television in the Rapids dressing room
• Repainting the walls beside Dressing Rooms 1, 2 and 3

A Team Effort

More than 25 volunteers came together across multiple days to complete the improvements—a true team effort both on and off the ice.

Volunteers included:

• Alex Lafrenière
• Andrea Peck
• Angie Peck
• Briana Morris
• Bryan Kealey
• Carter Peck
• Cassidy Peck
• Cooper McCambley
• Darryl Mayer
• Garth McLaughlin
• Jean Noel
• Jetta Driscoll
• Joey Hamel
• John Peck
• Luke Peck
• Lynn Noel
• Madi Skirda
• Maia Mayer
• Mike Lachapelle
• Nolan Peck
• Randy Peck
• Ryan Peck
• Will Holmes

The project continued the Rapids’ commitment to supporting the Gatineau Valley Arena beyond game days. While some changes were immediately visible and others were more practical, each improvement helped make the facility safer, more functional and more welcoming for players, families and spectators.