Benjamin Richard - Local Journalism Initiative

The only community center in the village of Rockland, the Jean-Marc Lalonde arena, has been closed for a few years now due to a lack of funds for repairs. In response, former mayor Jean-Marc Lalonde set up a petition to oppose the closure, rallying community members to raise awareness about the importance of the facility.

A community center of great importance for Jean-Marc Lalonde

 “In Rockland, we don’t have any community center. Right in the center of Rockland, it was very, very important for the whole community, for the kids for example there used to be [a] dance every Friday night,” explains Jean-Marc Lalonde. The village and surrounding area were often criticized by the population for the lack of gathering places available to all. The large hall near the school l'Escale was also used as a secondary gym for the Catholic high school. Lalonde adds, “at l’Escale, for example, they were using the arena every day of the week, every day.”

The arena also served as a venue for various community events, including cultural gatherings, sports tournaments, and local festivals. Its closure has left a noticeable void, forcing many events to be relocated or cancelled altogether. Residents have voiced concerns about limited recreational options for youth and seniors, emphasizing how central the arena was to their community life.

Reparation costs too high according to Mr. Lalonde

“On December eleven, 2018, the first one came, 1 million 33 thousand something, the following day, the same firm came back with an estimate of 4.3 million.” Mr. Lalonde adds that the repair costs are too high in his opinion for an arena that, in his view, doesn't need to be refurbished with the addition of other elements.

He suggests that the focus should be on essential repairs to make the facility operational again, rather than extensive renovations that could escalate costs. Community members have echoed similar sentiments, urging the city to reconsider the scale of the proposed renovations and explore alternative funding options.

The future of the arena remains uncertain, and decisions about what will become of it are being taken right now and will be of great importance to the City of Clarence-Rockland. The arena's fate could significantly impact local sports teams, youth programs, and cultural events that have long depended on the space.

Local advocacy groups continue to push for a transparent decision-making process, encouraging open dialogue between city officials and residents. The outcome will determine whether the Jean-Marc Lalonde arena can once again become a vibrant hub for the Rockland community.