Concordia arena to get $6.5-million facelift
The middle of summer might not exactly be the height of hockey season but our national pastime was in the limelight on July 25, when the Quebec government announced a major funding initiative that will soon see Concordia’s hockey players gliding over smooth ice.
Kathleen Weil, the Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities and Member of the National Assembly for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, came to Concordia’s Loyola Campus on behalf of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Laurent Lessard, to announce $3,250,000 in government funding from the Quebec-Municipalities Infrastructure Program for the reconstruction and redevelopment of the Ed Meagher Arena.
That amount will be matched by Concordia, bringing total funding for the overhaul to $6.5 million – an amount that will allow the university to bring its ageing arena up to NHL standards.
The arena, which has been in use since 1967, is long overdue for a facelift. “This is a vintage facility with great history and tremendous soul," says Katie Sheahan, Concordia’s Director of Recreation and Athletics. "This funding will help give our students and the local community something they will put to excellent use.”
The main renovations planned for the arena include a new rink surface, an upgrade to the refrigeration system, and a new dressing room and equipment storage room adjacent to the arena. Roof insulation, outside windows replacement, and changing rooms upgrades are also in the works, along with various other improvements.
“Ultimately, this renovated infrastructure will promote physical activity among university students and the Montreal community, enable further development of sports excellence at Concordia University, ensure quality services to its national and international users, and facilitate the sustainability of sports facilities at the Loyola Campus, always from a sustainable development perspective,” said Minister Kathleen Weil.
Frederick Lowy, Concordia’s President and Vice-Chancellor, was also present for the announcement and welcomed the support of the Quebec government. "This will allow the arena to welcome a greater number of students, staff, faculty and alumni, and facilitate its use by members of the local community, including young children in the spring and summer. The arena renovation is the culmination of a real team effort among several different university departments and I would like to thank all those involved for their dedication to the project over these last few years," he said.
Related link:
• Department of Recreation and Athletics