MÉLISSA GÉLINAS
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MRC PONTIAC – To continue serving the Pontiac community, Shawville’s arena will undergo major renovations, while upgrades have already started at the Centre de loisirs des Draveurs Century 21 Élite in Fort-Coulonge.
Shawville Arena
The Shawville facility requires work on the walls, exterior metal siding, and insulation. “The floor and refrigeration system also need to be replaced,” said the recently formed Pontiac Arena Fund Committee. “This is a top priority for us.”
A $2-million investment is planned to replace the refrigeration system, pour a new concrete floor, and install insulation beneath the bleachers. “We’ll turn to local organizations, businesses, municipalities, and all levels of government to raise the necessary funds,” the committee said.
To help fund replacement of the two exterior walls, the Municipality of Shawville and the Agricultural Society will partner to contribute more than $50,000 annually.
“We’re grateful for the Pontiac community’s continued support,” the committee noted. “Many families rely on the arena, and we’re committed to ensuring it remains a hub for the region.”
Centre de loisirs Des Draveurs Century 21 Élite
Two major upgrades were recently completed at the Fort-Coulonge arena. “We replaced the condenser system and piping at a total cost of $343,000,” said Christine Bourque, vice-president of the arena committee.
Funding came from the MRC Pontiac, the municipalities of Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield, and a fundraising campaign organized by the committee.
“The second project involved repairing the arena’s exterior, adding new metal siding and insulation,” Bourque added. “That cost $93,000. Our main goal is to ensure the arena remains accessible to the region’s youth and families.”
The committee continues to seek funds to complete future projects.
The committee also secured a set of gently used rink boards from the Arnprior arena to replace its aging 1967 boards. Although not originally budgeted for, the $16,000 purchase was made possible in part by an unexpected $8,000 donation from Pontiac MNA André Fortin’s office. Volunteers helped coordinate transportation and storage of the boards, which will be installed once the ice is out.
A grant from the Ministry for Seniors is helping transform the upstairs hall into a more accessible and welcoming space for seniors. “The funding came through a program we applied for,” said Bourque. Plans include furnishing the room with tables, chairs, a television, stereo system, and games like cribbage and darts. “This will give older residents a place to gather and enjoy social activities,” she added.
“On behalf of the committee, we sincerely thank the community for its ongoing support,” Bourque said. “Thanks to your help, we can continue investing in the arena, which remains the heart of our community.”
Photo – Families enjoy skating at the Shawville Arena during the Winter Carnival, Feb. 8. (Municipality of Shawville)