What's in store for Lucan and its $250K win? - Action News
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What's in store for Lucan and its $250K win?

The communitys multi-purpose arena has opened its doors to minor league hockey games, wedding ceremonies and even popular St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The overall arena renovations will cost about $13 million

Lucan came out on top after more than nine million votes were cast country-wide. (Submitted)

The arena isthe heart of small town Lucan-Biddulph.

For decades, the community's multi-purpose venuehas opened its doors to minor league hockey games, wedding ceremonies and even popular St. Patrick'sDay celebrations.

Now, with an extra $250,000 and an army of supporters upcoming arena renovations are slated to bring in community-focused additions, including a new daycare centre and a seniors' area.

Lucan-Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said her community is celebrating the win. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)

"It's the hub of our community. At some point, everybody is going to walk through those doors," said Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson.

The township just north of London won the nationwide Kraft Hockeyville conteston Saturday. More than ninemillion votes were cast to determine a winner.

"The energy was like nothing I have never felt before. Driving in and out of Lucan for the last week everybody had signs up, windows painted green, ribbons everywhere," said Burghardt-Jesson.
The first phase of the renovations is expected to start in the spring. (Andrew Lupton/ CBC News)

"We won it on community spirit and community pride."

The town hadpainted itself green in honour of the colours of the town's local teams, named TheLucanIrish.

Burghardt-Jesson said even the London Knights had vouched their support.

The victory means the town will get $250,000 for upgrades to its arena, $10,000 worth of hockey equipment from the National Hockey League Players'Association and a chance to host a NHL pre-season game.

Other additions may also include a new dressing room and swimming pool. Morespaces for viewing, seating andwarming areas are also in store.

The three other community finalists will receive $25,000. They include High River, Alta.,Lafleche, Sask. andHuntingdon, Que.

Burghardt-Jesson said the overall project will cost about $13 million, with the hopes of receiving additional grant funding.

The first leg of renovations is set to begin this spring.

The London Knights vouched their support for Lucan's multi-purpose community arena makeover. (Submitted)