Mayor Philippe Brunet says it's too late but opponents of a plan to tear down the Eric Sharp arena in Saint-Lambert  are still  hoping to have the building renovated rather than rebuilt.

Demolition is set for next month and the plan is to build  a more modern $10.8 million dollar facility.

The Quebec government will contribute $4.4 million.

But a local group  backed by the Quebec Order of Architects and Heritage Montreal says the arena with it`s wooden beams and a cedar ceiling are classic examples of 1960`s architecture and should be preserved.

About a thousand people have signed a petition against the project, and opposition leaders will meet with local PQ MNA Marie Malavoy to explain their position in the hope of getting the Marois government on side.