With a swing of several sledgehammers, the re-development of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre officially began Friday.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held above the soon-to-be- demolished yellow rink with various local dignitaries and sports organization figureheads present to witness the ceremonial smashing of a tile wall near the Gratt’s Ice Lounge.

In attendance in an official capacity were Brantford Mayor Mike Hancock, Brant MP Phil McColeman, Bob Yuhasz (representing MPP Dave Levac), Sandra Lawson, Eric Burke, city councillors John Bradford, Mark Littell, Greg Martin and Dan McCreary as well as Walter Gretzky.

The $47.8-million project was made possible by joint funding from the city along with provincial and federal government and Mayor Hancock said the project would have been a longshot without outside support.

“Before the involvement of the province and the federal government, I didn’t think I would see this in my lifetime,” he said.

Once a demolition permit is obtained, the yellow rink will be knocked down as the first in a series of changes that will eventually result in a four-pad arena and updated aquatic facilities at the Gretzky centre.

As a requirement of the funding, the project must be completed by March 2011.

Reflecting on the original, single rink that was erected in 1967, McColeman had much to say on the benefits of the project.

“I commend the municipal government in being able to mobilize this,” he said. “This creates jobs right away … And it benefits the community.”

“There comes a time in all communities when facilities need to be replaced and this is the time.”

The WGSC project is one of about 470 in Ontario as part of the Building Canada Fund, an infrastructure program aimed at stimulating the economy.