There was an intense table-top air-hockey showdown at Pitt Meadows Arena Complex today.

It was Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters versus Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin – east versus west, Pitt versus Ridge.

In the end the real winners for the day were the citizens of the two communities who will benefit from the extensively renovated arena, which was officially unveiled today.

Walters commended the partnership the City of Pitt Meadows has with its neighbour Maple Ridge.

“Partnerships are so crucial... the partnership we have is unique and allows us to better serve our citizens in both communities,” said Walters.

Walters said the arena is a “place where children will dream of becoming the next great Canuck, where adults can pretend to win the Stanley Cup, and where the future lacrosse and figure skating stars will be raised.”

The facility has undergone a major transformation since the City of Pitt Meadows bought it in February 2009.

Nearly three years later, construction is complete and the arena looks brand new.

Repairs to the fire and life safety systems and building envelope are complete, upgrades to the mechanical and HVAC systems have been made, and the interior substantially refurbished, thanks in part to $1 million received through the Government of Canada’s Recreation Infrastructure Canada program.

“Our investment in the Pitt Meadows Arena Complex will make a lasting difference for our families’ quality of life,” said Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission MP Randy Kamp.

The renovation took more than two years to complete at a cost of $8.6 million – less than half of what it would have been to replace the three-sheet arena.

“We were told that building from scratch would cost $18 million,” said Pitt Meadows Councillor Doug Bing. “It’s a great community asset that should be here for another 30 years or more,” he added.

Councillor Dave Murray concurred with his colleague.

“For a community our size a three -rink facility is unique in our province. That puts us in a good position. I honestly believe that the money we invest in today’s youth will help us in the future fight things like youth obesity and crime,” said Murray.

“In other words, get them off their duffs and away from XBox,” added Bing.

-Stay tuned for more in an upcoming edition of The TIMES.