Arenas wanted

To date they have secured the support of various Laval hockey associations and formed a task force presided by Laval Express Association president Daniel Labonté.

Hockey Laval's Michel Demers says the petition did not come from his organization. "True, it can bring political pressure to bear regarding the construction of new arenas, and people are allowed to circulate petitions. We hope it's being done properly. We certainly don't want doors at city hall closed in our faces."

Lucie Milette stated that the petition is to encourage the city o pay attention to these needs. "We believe that new infrastructures are needed so that more people can benefit from these kinds of services."

To support the venture, she cites Hockey Quebec's guidelines for the kind of ice time needed by organized teams and leagues. "There isn't enough ice time for practices," she says.

To date, more than 1500 signatures have been collected towards the goal of at least 5000, the same number of hockey players in Laval.

The petition will be circulated at the six hockey tournaments scheduled in Laval during the holiday period.

Information concerning the petition can be obtained by contacting Lucie Milette by fax, at (514) 596-6941 or by email at luciemilette@videotron.ca. Comments can also be sent to urgencearena@hotmail.com "We will forward all comments and the petition to municipal officials," concludes the project spokesperson.

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(Photo:Maya)