The Qplex (stylized as "qplex") is a Canadian sporting and recreational facility in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.
![]() | |
![]() Qplex in May 2024 | |
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 indoor building as well as the outdoor swimming pool.[2] The facility has been described as the "crown jewel" of the town,[3] and 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. ProQuest 2887959522. 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. ProQuest 912092298. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "qplex hockey business helps players to stay sharp". Telegraph-Journal. 8 January 2013. p. C4. ProQuest 1266993004. 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. ProQuest 423280329. 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. ProQuest 423294484. 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. ProQuest 423304911. 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. ProQuest 423306247. 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. ProQuest 423361544. 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. ProQuest 860170082. 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. ProQuest 870275540. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ Briggs, Scott (1 May 2015). "Vito's, qplex prepare to host Telus Cup". Telegraph-Journal. p. D6. ProQuest 1677296042. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ Williams, Robert (30 October 2018). "World U17 all-tournament ticket packages sell out". Telegraph-Journal. p. B10. ProQuest 2126714337. 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. ProQuest 2167028422. 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. ProQuest 927676046. Retrieved 22 June 2024.