The City of Montreal is pleased to announce that all facilities at the Saint-Louis arena, in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, will be modernized to ensure the building's longevity and reduce its environmental footprint. The rink, which is currently closed, will be brought up to standard and reopened to the public.
Work to bring the arena up to standard will include a series of measures, such as replacing the Freon refrigeration system with a new ammonia system, replacing gas-powered equipment with high-performance electromechanical systems, and converting the parking lot into a resilient green space with a surface retention basin for rainwater. These upgrades will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and could lead to LEED Silver certification.
In addition, universal accessibility work will be carried out to enable universal access to both the first floor and the ice level. Work will start in autumn 2024 and last 2 years.
The city has awarded a contract to Groupe Unigesco Inc. for a project estimated at a total investment of $28.8 million. The project is part of the City of Montreal's program to support the upgrading of municipal arenas. The aim is to modernize the infrastructures, while eliminating environmentally harmful gases, thereby helping to combat climate change, as well as providing a healthy environment for the population. The city has already brought 30 of its 34 arenas and sports complexes up to standard.
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“By modernizing the Saint-Louis arena, we are taking a significant step towards environmental sustainability and community well-being. This project will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also provide a sports and leisure gathering place for young people and families. I can't wait to see the physical activity benefits this arena will bring to all Plateau-Mont-Royal residents,” said Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation and Outdoors.
“Modernizing facilities like the Saint-Louis arena is crucial to guaranteeing modern, safe and environmentally-friendly sports infrastructures for all citizens. The work will create a healthier environment and ensure efficient, sustainable management of the building. This upgrade is a major investment that demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a network of facilities that meets the needs of the population,” said Émilie Thuillier, Executive Committee member responsible for infrastructure, buildings and asset maintenance.
“Providing Montrealers with quality sports facilities is crucial to encouraging physical activity, which is essential to everyone's health and well-being. The city has already upgraded 30 arenas out of an impressive network of 34 sports complexes, and with the modernization of Saint-Louis arena, we are once again reinforcing our commitment to providing safe and inspiring spaces for young people and adults to move, develop and adopt a healthy lifestyle,” said Caroline Bourgeois, Executive Committee Vice-President, responsible for sports and recreation, Espace pour la vie, the French language and Est de Montréal.
“These renovations will enable us to give back to the Mile End population this long-awaited sports facility, as we had committed to do. In addition to modernizing the refrigeration systems, this work will also be an opportunity to improve the universal accessibility of this infrastructure and make its layout more resilient, by replacing its parking lot with a rainwater retention basin. I have no doubt that this modernized facility will be quickly adopted and appreciated by the people who use it,” said Luc Rabouin, Chairman of the Executive Committee, responsible for finance and economic development, and Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough.
