Determined to provide quality infrastructure and services to its residents, the City of Montreal is proud to announce the start of major renovations to the Martin-Lapointe arena, located in the heart of the Saint-Pierre district, in the borough of Lachine. The work will not only bring the arena's ice refrigeration system up to standard, but will also make the facility more energy-efficient, with a 90% reduction in GHG emissions, while improving its accessibility for the benefit of the entire area's population.
The work will start this fall, so that the public can enjoy the new facilities as of fall 2026. A total of $28.2 million has been earmarked for the project, including a $13.2 million subsidy from the Quebec government's Programme d'aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives et de plein air (PAFIRSPA). The Borough of Lachine is also contributing $3.35 million to the project.
Energy-efficient facilities
All the arena's facilities will be modernized to make them more energy-efficient. The work will include a series of energy efficiency measures, such as the replacement of gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives, and the construction of a rainwater retention basin. These efforts should result in a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and could lead to LEED Silver certification.
Electromechanical and refrigeration equipment will be replaced by energy-efficient models, and a new equipment room will be built to house this equipment. In addition, the arena's two main entrances will benefit from new canopies. All interior spaces will also be modernized and brought up to date.
Improved accessibility
The arena's universal accessibility will be greatly enhanced by the addition of a bleacher access ramp and the upgrading of the fire alarm system to include audible and visual alarms. In addition, automatic door openers and magnetic holds will be installed on the main and secondary access doors.
Quotes
“The investments we make in recreational, sports and outdoor infrastructures demonstrate our commitment to improving the physical and mental health of our population. They contribute not only to revitalizing our regions, but also to strengthening the social fabric of our communities. Thanks to the many projects deployed as part of this program, people of all ages and from all over Quebec will now have access to more community spaces and dynamic play areas for physical and leisure activities. I'm delighted that the Montreal community will soon be able to enjoy a new arena that meets the highest standards,” said Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation and Outdoors.
“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 Saint-Pierre and Lachine a modern, more environmentally-friendly arena, which will have a positive impact on health and quality of life. In all our neighbourhoods, our administration is stepping up the pace to deliver infrastructure and services that meet the aspirations of the population. Investing in our arenas is a concrete way of meeting the needs of young people and improving the quality of life of all Montreal families,” declared Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
“Montreal is a city of sport par excellence, a city where we want young and old alike to be able to move, to excel and to be healthy. That's why we're committed to providing our citizens with quality sports and leisure facilities; facilities that are up to standard and greener, throughout our territory. Since the inception of its Programme de soutien à la mise aux normes des arénas municipaux nearly 15 years ago, the city has carried out the required work on 32 of the 34 arenas and sports complexes on its territory, and today we are pleased to begin renovations on the 31st of these facilities,” noted Caroline Bourgeois, vice-president of the executive committee, responsible for sports and recreation, Espace pour la vie, the French language and Est de Montréal.
“Martin-Lapointe arena has been a 2nd home for many Pierrois and Pierroises. It's also the place where great athletes have learned their sport, enabling them to achieve international feats that contribute to the pride of the people of Lachine! We are delighted with the refurbishment of the arena, which will enable other generations of Pierrois men and Pierroise women to thrive in sport,” announced Maja Vodanovic, Mayor of the Borough of Lachine and member of the Executive Committee responsible for consultation with the boroughs and water.
“Today is a very special day for all ice sports fans in the borough of Lachine. The decision by the Ville de Montréal and the Gouvernement du Québec to invest such large sums of money to enable the young boys and girls of the Saint-Pierre district to once again practice their sport in this arena is news that touches me deeply. To see my name on the arena in the neighbourhood where I grew up is a priceless honour for me. I'm very grateful for what field hockey has brought to my life and what it continues to bring to me. I offer my full support to the reconstruction work, and I'm delighted to know that the new facilities will benefit thousands of young athletes in my region. On behalf of all the young people in the Saint-Pierre district, I'd like to thank everyone involved in this decision,” said Martin Lapointe, Director of Player Personnel and Amateur Recruiting for the Montreal Canadiens.
