A new $4 million ball hockey facility is currently under construction in an industrial area on the eastern side of Saint John. This development comes two years after the initial approval for construction in a residential zone in the city’s western region.
In October 2023, the city council sanctioned a location on Manawagonish Road despite objections from local residents concerned about potential noise disturbances due to the outdoor and indoor playing surfaces planned for the complex. Following the council’s approval, the Quebec-based company, Knapper, reconsidered the site location due to respect for the community’s concerns and decided to seek an alternative spot.
Knapper has since announced the establishment of the Knapper Center Saint John in the McAllister Industrial Park, a location away from residential areas and aligning with their expansion strategies, potentially accommodating a third playing surface. This facility, a first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, will cater to the local ball hockey community and host regional competitions.
Mayor Donna Reardon commended Knapper’s decision to relocate the facility, acknowledging the company’s responsiveness to community feedback. Gary Crossman, a prominent figure in the local ball hockey scene, will manage the facility, anticipating a significant draw for the region’s ball hockey enthusiasts.
The complex, set to open in the spring, aims to bring together players and families from across New Brunswick and the Maritimes. Additionally, the venue will be versatile, accommodating other activities such as pickleball during the winter months and providing rental space for soccer and baseball teams. The facility is expected to create employment opportunities for up to 40 individuals and has plans for future expansions in Moncton and Fredericton.
The construction of the arena is progressing as scheduled, with an anticipated opening in the upcoming spring season.