The future of Pat Stapleton Arena could be up for debate by Sarnia council soon.
Mayor Mike Bradley said the group is being asked on Monday to refer building investment needs to 2026 budget deliberations for consideration.
"The arena was built in 1948 with volunteer labour," Bradley said. "It is a historic landmark in Sarnia and many people have great memories of the Sarnia Sting there, all the well known hockey players that played there, the [Sarnia] Legionnaires, et cetera."
Bradley said council is being flagged about the price of some repairs that have not been budgeted for in capital planning.
"We've been putting a lot of money into that arena to try to keep it operating," he said. "It's reached the point though that later this year at budget, we're going to have to make a decision -- as a city and as a community -- do we want to continue to put money in? We're talking probably at least $10 million plus, just to keep it operating, or do we want to look at a new facility at that site, or add a new facility at another site like Clearwater or PASA (Progressive Auto Sales Arena)."
Emergency electrical repairs were completed at the rink, at the corner of Brock and Wellington Streets, in September 2024.
In October 2024, a five year license agreement was signed with the Sarnia Legionnaires Junior Hockey Club. HVAC repairs and maintenance within the arena were worked into the terms.
"So, a lot of money has been invested trying to keep the building operating. But, we're reaching that end of life, where we're going to have to make a decision," said Bradley.
Building systems requiring replacement and the estimated costs include:
- $3.6 million for the concrete floor and chiller plant
- $2 million to replace the roof and side walls in shingles or $3 million to do the work in metal
- $400,000 for a walkway and ladder for the roof
- $2 million for the HVAC system
- $550,000 for the boiler system
- $200,000 for the electrical system
In her report to council, Community Services General Manager Stacey Forfar said there are growing concerns the facility will suffer a catastrophic failure in its current state, that will result in a long-term unplanned closure and significant emergency funding to reopen.
She said re-allocating existing planned capital funding will result in a reduction in planned funding for PASA and Clearwater [arenas], which will lengthen reinvestment timelines at all arena sites.
Forfar also noted the estimated costs she outlined do not include interior renovations to changerooms, the community room, parking lot upgrades or other public spaces, nor do they include the costs for required abatement work.