Gatineau approves new $79-million complex to replace Robert Guertin arena

GATINEAU – The City of Gatineau has approved plans to replace the Robert Guertin arena with a brand new $79 million multi-purpose sports complex in the city’s east end.

The project is slated to be built on city land along Boulevard de la Cité, near Boulevard Maloney Ouest.

The complex will include a 4,000 seat arena that will become the future home of the Gatineau Olympiques. It will also include three community ice rinks.

Some city councillors have expressed concern over building the new arena complex outside the downtown core.

Councillor Sylvie Goneau told 1310 NEWS she favors building the new complex on the current site of the Robert Guertin arena, which would help revitalize the downtown area of Hull.

“Cities need infrastructure projects that will attract people to the downtown,” said Goneau.

“We’re removing the arena from the downtown core – it’s counter-productive to what we’ve been trying to do over the past 12 years.”