Fall - Stanstead College

Why a new arena?The Stanstead College Arena was built in1954 by the Border Arena Company, consistingof municipal shareholders from both sidesof the Quebec-Vermont border. StansteadCollege agreed to assume control of the arenain 1968.Very few modifications have been madeover the years, with the exception of thereplacement of the roof after it collapsed in1969.The arena has always been used extensivelyby the local population on both sides of theCanada-U.S. border. In fact, only 30 percent ofthe total ice use is by Stanstead College.While the arena has served the communitywell, it is out of date and has many structuralproblems. As just a few examples, there is novapour barrier below the ice, the compressorsare old, and the dressing rooms lack adequateventilation and insulation. Plus, it’s expensiveto run: the arena operates at a loss of between$20,000 and $25,000 annually.Realizing that the Town of Stanstead doesn’thave the means to build its own arena,Stanstead College, through the Red & WhiteEducational Foundation, has applied for federal-provincialinfrastructure funding to helppay for the construction of a new arena.The foundation is a not-for-profit organizationwhose purpose is to support the missionof Stanstead College.Normally, these projects are funded in thirdsby the three governments – federal, provincialand municipal. In this case, the Red & WhiteArtist’s rendition of the proposed arena.Foundation is standing in for the Town ofStanstead, with the authorization and supportof the town council.Estimated cost of the project: $7,818,000.Should the funding request be approved, theRed & White Foundation will need to raise itsone-third share of the total cost, approximately$2.5 million.Besides support from the Town ofStanstead, the College has received resolutionsof support from the surrounding communities.As for the new arena itself, the proposal is tobuild it adjacent to the Stanstead College gymnasiumand tennis courts on the north side ofcampus, with public access and parking offPark Street.It will include an NHL-size ice surface, seatingcapacity for 500 spectators, nine changingrooms with washroom/showers, a workoutarea, referees’ and coaches’ rooms, a meetingroom, snack bar, pro shop, plus energy-efficientconstruction, including geothermal heating.The arena wouldattract tournaments,training camps andother recreational andcompetitive leagues,thereby creating anopportunity to increaserental revenue andreduce operating costs.The new arena wouldalso be a great source ofpride for StansteadCollege and the greaterborder community.school news15