Shawville arena faces $17M repair bill
Cathy Fox
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on September 24, 2025.
SHAWVILLE – The Shawville Council held a public information session September 18 at the Shawville RA Centre to gather feedback on next steps following a new report on the condition of the arena. The engineering firm JL Richards & Associates, with costing by Hanscombe, delivered the latest assessment on June 23.
The purpose of the session was “to present the arena’s condition, costs, and decisions to date; summarize the renovations prefeasibility findings; and outline next steps.” The sobering report estimated $16.87 million in repairs would be needed just to bring the facility up to code, based on a visual inspection rather than a full structural review.
The main concern raised by both patrons and council was the arena floor, which is 20 years past its service life, along with the pipes embedded beneath it. The ice-making equipment, including condensers and the compressor room, is also deteriorating. Repairs last season alone cost $40,000, with more breakdowns expected.
Other issues include fire safety, accessibility to bleachers, washrooms, and upstairs rooms, as well as improvements needed for heat retention, ventilation, dehumidification, lighting, and increased electrical capacity with Hydro-Québec.
Funding remains a major challenge. Shawville currently spends 8.5% of its municipal budget on the arena, limiting other recreation projects. The annual deficit between revenues and operating costs stands at $177,000 and continues to grow. Some argued Shawville should carry the load because of its central location and business tax revenues, while others suggested user fees for out-of-town adult league players.
Megan Derouin of Parents’ Voice recommended expanding daytime rentals to groups such as daycares and seniors’ clubs, and improving online booking. Kathy Murray received strong support for creating an independent committee to coordinate municipalities, service clubs, and government grants in pursuit of keeping the arena open. Councillor Katie Sharpe supported moving quickly on these ideas before the current council’s term ends October 1.
Some questioned the accuracy of the cost estimates, noting grant applications must be based on licensed contractor rates while much local work is often done by volunteers at lower cost. Residents agreed the arena must remain open during any renovations, while long-term planning for a new facility should begin. Construction of a new arena is considered less costly than extensive renovations, but new recreation grants will not be available until at least 2027–28.
In the meantime, council has invested in quality equipment, including the purchase of a new Zamboni this year. With community support and targeted repairs, many hope the arena can continue serving the region well into the future.