JOHN JANTAK
The 1510 West

John Abbott College is planning to build a $30-million multi-sports complex on its campus in Ste. Anne de Bellevue – if it receives a grant from the provincial government.

Officials at the CEGEP are seeking a $20-million subsidy from the province for the project. A grant application was submitted last week to the provincial financial assistance program for recreational, sports and outdoor infrastructures (PAFIRSPA), said Patrice Lemieux, manager of the Casgrain Sports Centre at the campus.

If approved, the new facility will provide indoor space for a wide range of sporting activities.

“We’re bursting at the seams,” Lemieux said. “The new sports complex will complement the services we already provide at our sports centre.”

Feedback from the students and staff at the college has been positive.

“Everyone is onboard with the idea,” Lemieux added. “It will free up space at our sports centre.”

“It’s also a great opportunity for the college to fulfill its internal needs and to also have that additional link with the communities we serve. It’s a win-win situation,” said Lemieux.

It could take two to three years for the multi-sports complex to be built if the college receives the grant. Details about the scale and scope of the project will be announced at that time.

“We’ll wait for the grant first to see if project goes forward,” said Lemieux.