Concordia University's Loyola campus is getting what might be considered a pre-election gift from the Liberal government.


Liberal MNA for the Notre-Dame-de-Grace riding Kathleen Weil announced Wednesday the university will be receiving $3.65 million dollars from the province to upgrade the Loyola Campus arena. The university will make up the difference of the $6.5-million total required to renovate the arena.

Though an election is in the air in the province, Weil said the project has been in the works for years.

“It takes a long time for these files to go through ministries… I'd have to tell you that these things take several years to work on,” she said.

The Concordia Stingers will soon be able to play on a new and improved ice surface with the same dimensions as NHL rinks. It will also include a refrigeration system that uses a carbon dioxide-only cooling system instead of ammonia.

The new technology was developed in Valleyfield, and not only is it greener, but it’s easier to control, said Jean Pelland, director of project management in Facilities Management at Concordia University.

“It's better using a CO2 system because the conduits are at the surface of the concrete slab, so we have more control over the temperature,” he explained.

The new facility will also include new locker rooms and a brand new equipment storage room.

Players say the improved arena will help Concordia attract new students.

 “It's definitely something that you can show the recruits that are showing interest and possibly convince them to want to come here,” said George Lovatsis of the men’s hockey team.

Mallory Lawton of the women’s hockey team agreed.

“I think it's long overdue and this will maybe set them apart from the rest of the country,” she said.

University president Frederick Lowy said the facility will be an asset to the entire west end.
“A lot of people are going to benefit -- not only our own students but the community,” he said.

Katie Sheahan, director of the Department of Recreation and Athletics, elaborated.

“We're also involved with high schools and minor sports organizations that can use the rink and this will give us the opportunity to extend the year, which is huge,” she said.

Construction begins in the spring of 2013 and should be complete by the fall.