The Qplex is a Canadian sporting and recreational facility in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.
Location | 20 Randy Jones Way Quispamsis, New Brunswick E2E 0B3 |
---|---|
Coordinates | 45°26′28″N 65°58′30″W / 45.441°N 65.975°W |
Designation | LEED Gold |
Construction | |
Opened | April 31, 2011 |
Years active | 2011–present |
Construction cost | $24.5 million |
Architect | Murdock & Boyd Architects |
General contractor | Marco Maritimes Limited |
Description
editThe Qplex was one of the first Canadian facilities to receive a LEED Gold certification.[1] It uses the roof to harvest rainwater which is then used for flushing its toilets, as well as geothermal energy for heating the indoors as well as the outdoor swimming pool.[2] The facility has been described as the "crown jewel" of the town.[3] The facility was built at a cost of $24.5 million.[4]
The road on which the Qplex is located on, Randy Jones Way, is named after former National Hockey League player Randy Jones, who is originally from Quispamsis.[1] The ground floor of the facility contains a small hockey equipment store.[5]
History
editInitial planning and proposals for the Qplex began in 2007; at this time, the facility was to have an ice rink as well as a swimming pool.[6] During this early planning stage, the name "QPlace" was also proposed.[7] An architectural rendering of the building was proposed in early 2008, with the facility planning to have a focus on efficient energy use and a "green design."[8] The town further pursued plans for the establishment of the Qplex in mid-2008.[9] On June 2, 2009, the council of Quispamsis awarded the construction contract to Marco Maritimes Limited.[10] The architect chosen for the project was Stephen Kopp of Murdock & Boyd Architects.[11]
The Qplex was officially opened on March 31, 2011.[1] In order to celebrate the opening, it held the Irving Oil Challenge Cup, which was well-received aside from the overflow of parking at the time.[12] The facility opened its swimming pool, namely the 97.3 The Wave Pool due to its sponsorship with radio station CHWV-FM,[13] for the first time on June 6, 2011.[14]
The Qplex has been used to host sporting events such as the 2016 Telus Cup,[15] the 2018 World U-17 Hockey Challenge,[16][17] practices for the 2019 Canadian Figure Skating Championships,[18] as well as the 2023 Para Hockey Cup.[19] It has also been used to hold several community events, including Remembrance Day ceremonies.[1][20]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Kennedy, Aaron (27 March 2021). "Celebrating a decade of memories at the qplex". Telegraph-Journal. p. C13. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ Vitello, Connie (28 June 2021). "No Project Too Small: Quispamsis Pursues Efficiency Everywhere". The Environment Journal. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "Q-Plex Grand Opening". Country 94. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ Donkin, Karissa (21 December 2011). "Quispamsis holds line on taxes; Budget Even though $24.5-million qplex opened in 2011, tax rate has not been impacted". Telegraph-Journal. p. C7. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "qplex hockey business helps players to stay sharp". Telegraph-Journal. 8 January 2013. p. C4. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ Ducharme, Jeff (20 December 2007). "Quispamsis keeps its financial house in order; Budget Council holds line on tax rate and takes bite out of debt ratio". Telegraph-Journal. p. C7. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ MacLean, Dave (3 January 2008). "Towns plan aggressive capital budgets; Spending Rothesay and Quispamsis moving ahead on infrastructure and recreation projects". Telegraph-Journal. p. C6. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ MacLean, Dave (14 February 2008). "Most seem to like QPlex design; Recreation Drawings unveiled in latest phase of consultation process for proposed Quispamsis project". Telegraph-Journal. p. C6. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ McGilligan, Andrew (28 June 2008). "Cities offer advice on proposed Q-Plex; Development Recreation and wellness centre is working with an approximate budget of $20 million". Telegraph-Journal. p. B7. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ "Q-Plex Construction Contract Awarded". Country 94. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ MacLean, Candice (5 April 2010). "Q-Plex will be in league of its own: architect". Telegraph-Journal. p. C6. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ MacLean, Candice (6 April 2011). "Parking woes at newly opened Q-Plex proves need for extra spaces, mayor says; Friction Town will soon open new lot despite opposition". Telegraph-Journal. p. C6. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ "qplex Pool". Discover Saint John. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ Saunders, Mary-Ellen (6 June 2011). "Let the fun begin - state-of-the-art pool opens today". Telegraph-Journal. p. C8. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ Briggs, Scott (1 May 2015). "Vito's, qplex prepare to host Telus Cup". Telegraph-Journal. p. D6. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ Williams, Robert (30 October 2018). "World U17 all-tournament ticket packages sell out". Telegraph-Journal. p. B10. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ Gill, Jordan (2 November 2018). "Future stars of hockey hit the ice in Saint John". CBC News. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ "Canada: National Skating Championships Kick Off in Saint John". Thai News Service Group. Bangkok. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "Quispamsis, sled hockey players keen for international tourney". CBC News. 8 April 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ "Expo to showcase businesses at qplex". Telegraph-Journal. 13 March 2012. p. C5. Retrieved 22 June 2024.