ST. PAUL - A portion of the Clancy Richard Arena will be getting a facelift after the Town of St. Paul gave permission to the St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens to turn an area in the building into a lounge.
Plans for the space include a large glass wall so people in the lounge can watch the game below. The renovations would expand seating in the arena, and the lounge area could be used by other organizations for special events.
Earlier in July, a building inspector from the Inspections Group surveyed the renovation site. Based on that inspection, the proposed renovations likely wouldn't impact the integrity of the building, reported Town of St. Paul CAO Kim Heyman during the July 13 council meeting."However, he did stress that this opinion is based on what he can see and doesn't eliminate the possibility that something will be exposed that could cause problems," she added.
The only concern was the proposed glass wall. While the concern was not in regards to the integrity of the building, it was more a safety concern, said Heyman.
"What he will require is a stamp from a structural engineer on that plan for the front glass wall. The Junior B's are aware of this and more than willing to comply."
The hockey club will be paying for the renovations, and in return are asking the town to discount the club's ice rental by 15 per cent. Based on last year's rental of $19,800, it would likely amount to about $3,000 a year. The renovations are expected to cost just over $30,000.
A motion to approve the Jr. B Canadians construction plan of the new viewing area and bar was carried. A second motion to approve a 10-year discount of $3,000 a year, instead of the 15 per cent requested, was also approved. A third motion to pay for the building inspection fees was also approved by council.
Advertising
During the July 16 Town of St. Paul Committee of the Whole meeting, council also approved a request from the hockey club to sell advertising on the outside of the Clancy Richard Arena.
A revenue sharing agreement is being put together between the Town of St. Paul and Jr. B Canadiens. While the majority of the funds will go to the hockey club, the municipality will also receive a portion since it owns the building.
While the Jr. B Canadiens requested a 10-year agreement with the town, Coun. Gary Ward said he felt a five-year term was more appropriate since the club's board could change over time. Council agreed and a motion was passed to proceed with the advertising agreement with the shorter term in place.
When speaking about the projects, Coun. Tyson deMoissac said he felt the current board and team management with the Canadiens was working hard to take the hockey team in a new direction, attracting high calibre players that want to continue to play hockey beyond the Junior B level.
