Sturgeon County is financially contributing to the Town of Legal to upgrade the Legal arena and curling rink.
This project will provide high-quality recreational services for residents of the Town of Legal and Sturgeon County. Additionally, it incorporates design principles and conservation practices, ensuring the new facility is environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
The original Legal arena, built in 1964, and the curling rink, built in 1976, have undergone several additions, improvements, and maintenance projects over the years. Studies conducted between 2020 and 2023 identified the need for infrastructure upgrades and energy conservation measures.
Investing in this 60-year-old arena and curling rink creates an opportunity to increase local usage and ensure sustainable operations.
Project Cost and Funding
The modernization project has an estimated cost of $14.5 million. Funding is being provided by different levels of government:
- The Federal Government contributed $7.159 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Grant.
- The Provincial Government provided $1 million under the Community Facility Enhancement Grant.
- The remaining costs are shared between the Town of Legal and Sturgeon County:
- The Town of Legal is contributing just under $4 million and continues to secure grant and sponsorship opportunities to support this project.
- Sturgeon County is contributing approximately $1.285 million, which includes:
- $535,000 from a Recreation Agreement with the Town of Legal.
- An additional $750,000 was approved by Sturgeon County Council to be paid in annual installments of $125,000 from 2025 to 2030.
Discussions about the project and funding took place through the Intermunicipal Committee, established by an agreement between the two municipalities. The Committee includes council members from both communities and aims to encourage cooperation, efficient use of resources, and fair cost-sharing for shared services.
By working together and with support from various government levels, the Town of Legal and Sturgeon County are creating an improved recreation facility that will benefit all residents.
