Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Approves Plans for New Ice Rink, Replacing Aging Arena
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec – The city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has taken a significant step forward in its plan to replace the current municipal arena with a modern, covered, refrigerated ice rink. On April 8th, the city council approved a contract for the design and specifications of a second ice surface at the Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur. This addition will ensure uninterrupted ice activities for local organizations and the public during the transition.
Contract Awarded for Colisée Isabelle-brasseur Expansion
CCM2 Architectes, a Quebec-based firm, has been awarded an $830,137.71 contract (including taxes and contingencies) to develop the plans and specifications for the new ice rink at the colisée Isabelle-Brasseur. The planned expansion involves constructing a new building in front of the existing Colisée. This new structure will house the second ice surface, four changing rooms, and seating for 200 to 300 spectators.
Projected Completion and Transition Timeline
Construction of the Colisée expansion is slated for 2026. According to Marie-Josée Parent, media relations advisor for the city, the Colisée’s refrigeration system was initially designed to accommodate two ice surfaces, streamlining the expansion. The new ice surface is expected to be operational before the demolition of the current municipal arena in 2027.
Multifunctional Design for Year-Round Use
The future covered, refrigerated ice rink is projected to be complete by 2028, adhering to the anticipated schedule. This facility is designed for year-round use. Refrigeration will be active from mid-autumn to late winter, extending the skating season. During the summer, the space will convert into a multifunctional area suitable for recreational and sports activities. The concrete surface, once the ice melts, can host outdoor activities shielded from the elements.
Lasting Approach to Arena Replacement
While the existing Gouin arena will be demolished, the city plans to salvage functional components aligning with sustainable progress principles. The concrete slab, cooling system, and dasher boards will be preserved.
Creating a Recreational Hub
In addition to the ice surface, the project incorporates an adjacent service building that include washrooms, four changing rooms (also to be used for baseball), and a multifunctional room. Despite some opposition to the demolition of the existing arena, as demonstrated by a petition with over 300 signatures in early 2025, the city defends its decision by highlighting the creation of a recreational and sports hub. The Richard-Lafontaine baseball stadium and a skateboard park are located nearby, creating a centralized area for sports and recreation.
Planned Usage
The new covered refrigerated rink will operate approximately three months a year during wich it will be available for activities such as drop-in skating as well as hockey practices.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Ice Rink Project: Q&A
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Approves Plans for New Ice Rink, Replacing Aging Arena
Saint-Jean-sur-richelieu, Quebec – The city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has taken a significant step forward in its plan to replace the current municipal arena with a modern, covered, refrigerated ice rink. on April 8th, the city council approved a contract for the design and specifications of a second ice surface at the Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur.This addition will ensure uninterrupted ice activities for local organizations and the public during the transition.
Contract Awarded for Colisée Isabelle-brasseur Expansion
CCM2 Architectes,a Quebec-based firm,has been awarded an $830,137.71 contract (including taxes and contingencies) to develop the plans and specifications for the new ice rink at the colisée Isabelle-Brasseur.The planned expansion involves constructing a new building in front of the existing Colisée. This new structure will house the second ice surface, four changing rooms, and seating for 200 to 300 spectators.
Projected Completion and Transition Timeline
Construction of the Colisée expansion is slated for 2026. According to Marie-Josée Parent, media relations advisor for the city, the Colisée’s refrigeration system was initially designed to accommodate two ice surfaces, streamlining the expansion. The new ice surface is expected to be operational before the demolition of the current municipal arena in 2027.
Multifunctional Design for Year-Round use
The future covered, refrigerated ice rink is projected to be complete by 2028, adhering to the anticipated schedule. This facility is designed for year-round use. Refrigeration will be active from mid-autumn to late winter, extending the skating season.During the summer, the space will convert into a multifunctional area suitable for recreational and sports activities. The concrete surface, once the ice melts, can host outdoor activities shielded from the elements.
Lasting Approach to Arena Replacement
While the existing Gouin arena will be demolished, the city plans to salvage functional components aligning with sustainable progress principles. The concrete slab, cooling system, and dasher boards will be preserved.
Creating a Recreational Hub
In addition to the ice surface, the project incorporates an adjacent service building that include washrooms, four changing rooms (also to be used for baseball), and a multifunctional room. Despite some opposition to the demolition of the existing arena, as demonstrated by a petition with over 300 signatures in early 2025, the city defends its decision by highlighting the creation of a recreational and sports hub. The Richard-Lafontaine baseball stadium and a skateboard park are located nearby, creating a centralized area for sports and recreation.
Planned Usage
The new covered refrigerated rink will operate approximately three months a year during wich it will be available for activities such as drop-in skating as well as hockey practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu building a new ice rink?
A: The city is replacing its aging municipal arena with a modern, multifunctional facility to enhance recreational opportunities and ensure year-round use.
Q: Where will the new ice rink be located?
A: The new rink will be an expansion of the existing Colisée Isabelle-Brasseur.
Q: What will the new ice rink offer?
A: The new facility will feature a refrigerated ice surface for extended skating seasons, four changing rooms, seating for 200-300 spectators, and a multifunctional area for various activities during the summer months.
Q: What is the timeline for the project?
A: The expansion of the Colisée is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the new ice surface expected to be operational before the demolition of the current arena in 2027. The entire project, including the new covered rink, is projected to be completed by 2028.
Q: What will happen to the old Gouin arena?
A: The Gouin arena will be demolished, but the city plans to salvage functional components such as the concrete slab, cooling system, and dasher boards for sustainable reuse.
Q: What is the cost of the project?
A: The contract awarded to CCM2 Architectes for the development of plans and specifications is $830,137.71 (including taxes and contingencies). The overall cost of the project has not been specified in the document.
Q: How will the new rink be used in the summer?
A: When the ice melts, the concrete surface will be available for recreational and sports activities.
Q: How long will the new rink be used for ice-related activities such as drop-in skating?
A: The new rink will be used for ice activities for about three months a year.
With the new ice rink expansion underway, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is building a brighter future for its community.
