Construction began in October of 2015. ATCO engaged local tradesmen and businesses wherever possible to keep economic benefits within the community.  “Some of our members were involved from the ground up and others contributed along the way with specific trades,” says Jackson, who worked closely with ATCO for the duration of the project.  “It was very good working with ATCO.  They know the situation that First Nations communities are faced with. This was a team effort built on mutual respect and trust,” says Byron Jackson, Chief Executive Officer for Piikani Nation

The 39,000 square foot arena was engineered to withstand extreme winds and sudden heavy snowfall in the area.  The facility was prefabricated and assembled on-site with a strong extruded aluminum substructure, a self-cleaning exterior, a fire-resistant membrane and colours chosen by Piikani Nation to represent their culture and environment of the Foothills of Southern Alberta.