Committee brainstorms for new Shawville arena

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Allyson Beauregard & Carl Hager

SHAWVILLE – With the municipal arena aging, a committee of about twelve

Allyson Beauregard & Carl Hager

SHAWVILLE – With the municipal arena aging, a committee of about twelve
people has been established to explore the idea of building a new one named in Bryan Murray’s honour; Murray was a Shawville native and former Ottawa Senators General Manager. The committee includes members of council, residents of Bristol and Shawville, and Pontiac MP Will Amos.
According to councillor Jaime Christie-Stewart, the project is only in the “brainstorming” stage. “We are in the very early stage.
We know our existing arena’s lifespan is not indefinite, and many community members feel this is a project that is viable and worthwhile in attracting families to the Pontiac,” she said.
The committee is considering a few different locations, all in Shawville; one is located behind McDowell Elementary School on land owned by Loblaws.
Figures of the project’s cost are not yet available and according to Christie-Stewart, if the project moves forward, the committee anticipates fundraising privately to to begin the process, then seeking government investment if needed. No timeline is available, but Christie-Stewart anticipates it will be at least five years.
“Right now, we have a dream and are looking to see what it would take to turn the dream into reality,” concluded Christie-Stewart.