The group formed to operate the former Feildian Gardens has been charged with 19 violations of St. John’s property bylaws.
The Celtics Centre Hockey Corporation was established by the Avalon Celtics Minor Hockey Association four years ago to buy and run the rink, now known as D.F. Barnes Arena.
But it wouldn’t have happened without the city’s financial help, which included a $400,000 interest-free loan and $2.5-million guarantee on the mortgage.
At the time, the famed Celtics organization was seeking an alternative to the high cost of ice time elsewhere.
The plan was to operate and pay off debt with registration fees, and do upgrades through federal funding.
But the charges filed in provincial court suggest there have been issues with that plan.
In fact, the city paid off the remaining $2.3 million owed by the Celtics corp. this past May, days after building inspections were completed.
Those inspections in April and May found faults with everything from emergency and exit lighting, to handrails, low headroom in places, fire alarms, the ventilation system and electrical issues.
The charges, however, could all go away if the Celtics corp. can rectify those issues, which court was told they’re working hard to do.