Sarnia council is being asked to accept an amended lease agreement with the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club on Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley said it reflects a change in management and responsibility.
"There's a lot of money being reinvested in that building with the roof and other improvements over the last couple years and there's more to come in the future," said Bradley.
If approved, the amendment would see the $1.50 ticket surcharge increase by 50 cents.
"The surcharge would move to a $2 surcharge next year and that's important to keep on renewing the building. It's a dedicated surcharge, not like it was being used a number of years ago when the money was being passed off to other needs in the community."
Mayor Bradley said if the city is to keep its Ontario Hockey League team, arena standards must be met.
"The OHL has been changing those rules over the last couple years, including upgrades to the glass and other facilities there to protect the public. So, that's important. But, we have to keep those standards up or we have problems with retaining the team."
The new lease agreement was initially endorsed in 2019 which signaled the start of building upgrades.
"We have a good relationship with the Sting and we're working through all of these issues together and the good thing is that a number of things, like the (Molson) pouring rights, like the boxes, are now back in their hands to do, and they can do it better than we can from a city point of view. So, that relationship has grown and hopefully one day we'll be hosting a Memorial Cup there."
Bradley said the attendance seems to be very good this year and it appears COVID-19 protocols are being followed.
"The building has been a clear signal with the restarting of the Sting events that we are trying to get back to normal, recognizing the issues we still face with COVID."
City staff are also recommending a new reserve account be created for the ticket surcharge so the use of the funds is more transparent.