By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban
The City of Montreal is moving forward with the $1.2 million demolition of the former Lachine Marina, marking a divisive end to a years-long controversy that has divided the community.
The project, which will transform the private boating facility into a public waterfront park, has faced significant public opposition since its initial announcement in July 2020. The marina’s closure sparked immediate resistance from the boating community. More than 10,000 people signed a petition against the closure, and about 100 recreational boaters staged demonstrations at Montreal City Hall to protest the decision. The Association of Lachine Marina Boaters (APPPL) led the resistance, suggesting alternative solutions such as increasing dock fees to maintain the facility. The group initially pursued legal action through an injunction request but eventually abandoned the lawsuit due to financial constraints.
Lachine Boaters Association President Josée Cote stated that the 450 members of the association were not consulted in this decision. “This is an unequal ‘David vs. Goliath’ battle where the city has the expertise and virtually unlimited resources available to fight any legal challenge brought against its decisions. The City of Montreal should not gloat with its cavalier decision and the outcome of the situation.”
The controversy also sparked political turmoil within the municipal government. Former Montreal city councillor Julie-Pascale Provost was expelled from the Projet Montréal caucus amid tensions, though official statements indicated her dismissal was not directly related to her position on the marina issue.
While boating enthusiasts fought to preserve what they viewed as a historic facility, a separate group of Lachine residents rallied in support of the city’s plan, advocating for increased public access to the waterfront. The citizen collective “#réclame ta rive” (reclaim your shoreline) challenged the boaters’ association’s position, highlighting the importance of public access to the waterfront. “We’re entering a new phase,” Alex Norris, Executive Committee member responsible for major parks, stated. “The outdated marina facilities, including storage sheds, swimming pool, and security booths, will be removed. Montreal residents have been eagerly awaiting this new grand park.”
The $25 million transformation project aims to make the waterfront accessible to all residents, with city officials citing safety concerns about the current abandoned structures. The demolition includes removing derelict buildings and installing new electrical infrastructure at the park’s entrance. The project represents a significant shift in Montreal’s approach to waterfront development, prioritizing public access over private recreational facilities.
The contentious nature of the change reflects broader debates about the balance between preserving traditional uses of urban spaces and creating more inclusive public areas. n