The Nation Municipality is launching a $500,000 fundraising campaign to renovate the St-Isidore Arena’s rink surface, boards and glass, asking residents and businesses to chip in beyond the municipal taxes they already pay. 

Mayor Francis Brière said the plan is to renovate a new cement floor, a new tubing refrigeration system, replace the solid wood boards with aluminum and add new acrylic glass. 

The total cost of the project is approximately $1.4 million. The Nation will be covering a portion of it through reserves, grants, fundraising and sponsorships. 

Over the years and after multiple renovations, the arena has an ice rink with stands and a heated viewing area, a sports bar, six dressing rooms, and a community centre which offers a banquet hall, a kitchen, a conference room, an activities centre for older adults, and a bowling alley. 

The St-Isidore arena is host to the Eagles hockey team. Mayor Francis Brière of The Nation Municipality reassures that the project plans to be completed before the 2025-2026 hockey season. 

“The St-Isidore Arena holds a special place in our community,” said Mayor Brière, during his presentation at the arena on . “It’s where dreams that flight on the ice, and where lifelong bonds are forged. But with any cherished structures, it requires our care and attention to remain a vibrant hub for our community.” 

The municipality aims to reach the fundraising goal by early 2025 and begin the start date for March of 2025.