McIntyre Community Building
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[edit] McINTYRE COMMUNITY BUILDING
McIntyre Mine owner J.P. Bickell had the McIntyre Community Building constructed in the 30's and had also become the first president of Maple Leaf Gardens. Bickell wanted a comparable facility for his miners, and the arena was one of the finest in Canada outside a major centre.
The "Mac" was modelled after Maple Leaf Gardens, and for a while the seating colours followed the same sequence. The Leafs would play exhibition games at the Mac, and Barbara Ann Scott used the facility while training for the world figure-skating championships.
McIntyre miners received $13 a month in coupons good for arena services. The structure included an auditorium, gymnasium, hockey rink, curling rink, dining room, bowling alley, broadcast gondola as well as many other sport and social related amenities.
A number of NHL hockey greats owe a measure of gratitude to the "Mac", among them is the eminent Liberal Senator and recipient of the Order of Canada, Frank Mahovlich and Father Les Costello.
The facility has also hosted a number of other no less prestigious and entertaining events such as professional wrestling, championship curling bonspiels, sanctioned boxing, charitable events, rock concerts, roller derby and the circus.
Distinguished Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson made an appearance at the "Mac" as a guest speaker for the Porcupine Art Club.
