The City of Montreal has announced that the Martin-Lapointe Arena will be getting a makeover in the borough of Lachine, in Montreal.
The renovations will be carried out this fall and the arena is expected to be ready in 2026.
They plan to update the building and make it more energy efficient – by reducing the GHG emissions by 90 per cent from the arena.
“The Martin-Lapointe Arena has been a second home for many people from Lachine,” said Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic. “It is also the place where great athletes learned their sport, which allowed them to achieve international feats, which contribute to the pride of the people of Lachine.”
The Martin-Lapointe Arena is in the Saint-Pierre district.
A total of $28.2 million has been invested into the project, including $13.2 million grant from the Programme d’aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives et de plein air (PAFIRSPA).
Lachine will also contribute $3.35 million to the project.
Montreal families benefit from upgraded sports facilities
“Sports infrastructure plays a major role in the quality of life of young people and their families. We are proud to offer the entire population of the Saint-Pierre and Lachine sector a modern and more ecological arena, which will have a positive impact on health and quality of life. Investing in our arenas is a concrete way to meet the needs of young people and improve the quality of life of all Montreal families,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
According to a press release, all the arena’s facilities will be modernized by replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives and building a stormwater retention basin.
Additionally, the electromechanical and refrigeration equipment will be replaced with energy-efficient models and a new technical room will be built to house the equipment.
Also, new canopies will be built in the two main entrances to the arena and all interior spaces will also be renovated.
“Today is a very special day for all ice sports fans in the Lachine borough,” Martin Lapointe, Director of Player Personnel and Amateur Scouting for the Montreal Canadiens. “The decision by the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec to invest such sums of money to allow young boys and girls in the Saint-Pierre district to once again practice their sport in this arena is news that touches me deeply. Seeing my name on the arena in the neighbourhood where I grew up is an inestimable honour for me. I am very grateful for what hockey has brought to my life and for what this sport continues to bring me.”
Other updates include a new ramp for the stands, a new fire alarm system and automatic doors will be installed on the main floors.