The McIntyre Community Centre and arena has officially been designated a property of cultural heritage value or interest. The local lore and history of the rink and building are steeped in legend. Hockey fans know it well as the home of legendary NHLers like the Mahovlich brothers, Bill Barilko, Paul Harrison, Allan Stanley, Dean Prentice, Murray Costello and his brother Les, and Steve Sullivan. Some would say that “the Mac” is the heart of the City, certainly a space that has been used for celebration, commemoration, and all things sports.
The McIntyre Arena was built first in 1937, and opened to the public with natural ice in January 1938. The community centre addition was added that same year. At the time, it cost just over half a million dollars to build. The original facility included a large rink, gymnasium, six-lane bowling alley, six sheets of ice for curling, a private mirrored skating room, lounge, coffee shop, 500-seat auditorium, surrounded by a beautiful park.
You can’t mention the Mac without remembering J.P. Bickell, President of the McIntyre Mine, first president of Maple Leaf Gardens, and chairman of the board for the Toronto Maple Leafs. From his love of sports sprang the idea for a state-of-the-art rink and community centre in the Porcupine. Something comparable to the Maple Leaf Gardens. During the opening ceremonies in 1938, Bickell addressed the excited crowd: “Let us have here all the facilities for a happy, contented community. I think that I might say that you men and your families have more facilities under one roof than any other community in Canada”.
Today, the McIntyre Community Centre stands proudly as home for local hockey, legacy events, provincial sports championships, galas, and more. Its history is linked to sports in the North, but the rafters still ring with laughter and cheers for the future hockey stars of Timmins. Later this spring, the official heritage plaque will be placed, with the City and Municipal Heritage Committee planning the designation ceremony.
For more information on the Municipal Heritage Committee, cultural conservation in the City of Timmins, or to nominate a property for addition to the Municipal Heritage Register, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/municipal_heritage_register
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