The end of an era

It's the end of an era in Vernon.

After serving the community for more than 80 years, the Civic Arena is being decommissioned.

Work began on taking down the aging arena last week, and as days progress, more of the arena will be repurposed, salvaged or simply scrapped.

Once the focal point of hockey in the community, the arena held one last game in January - a retro-style affair featuring the Vernon Vipers and Prince George Spruce Kings.

It wasn't a playoff game, or one of any major significance, but the arena quickly sold out as residents bade farewell to a part of local history.

But it was more than sports that drew people to say goodbye.

The Civic played host to many graduation ceremonies, public events, winter carnival events and was part of the lives of thousands of Vernon residents.

Along with the arena, two adjacent houses are also being torn down.

After much debate among civic leaders and the community as to the fate of the building, it was decided to demolish.

In November 2017, city council made the decision after receiving reports indicated repurposing the 80-year-old arena would be technically challenging and costly – at an estimated $11-12 million.

City officials have not said what the plan is for the land.