Montreal West residents, politicians debate poor state of local arena

MONTREAL – The town of Montreal West held a second meeting Thursday night to discuss the poor state of its arena.

At the first meeting on Dec. 15, the arena was reviewed and experts showed a total of $7.5 million would have to be spent over the next 5 to 10 years to maintain what they call an under-sized, poorly heated, run down facility.

Mayor Benny Masella argued the money would be better spent on a new facility that would likely include an arena, a pool, multifunction rooms and offices, as well as a reconditioned soccer field.

“We’re here to find out what the community thinks about going forward looking for a new building,” he said.

“If we’re all on board, we’re going to apply for the funding.”

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The scale of the project would also require some help from the government.

WATCH: The town of Montreal West held a public meeting to address their arena in disrepair and what possible solutions there are going forward.

0:43 Montreal West arena meeting

“We’re going to apply for the funding one way or another,” said Masella.

“If we get the funding, then we’ll make the decision whether we are going forward.”

Over 100 people flooded to town hall to voice their opinions and listen to ideas on whether the current facility should be renovated or have a brand new one built.

If approved, the new project could greatly increase the number of recreational activities available to residents.