JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

A request for financial assistance for a new aquatic complex in Vaudreuil-Dorion has been turned down by the province for a second time.

“We were extremely disappointed upon hearing the news,” said Mayor Guy Pilon in a written statement on July 11. “Our teams worked hard to put together a strong and convincing case.”

“Our project was not selected, nor were any major projects in Vaudreuil-Soulanges,” Pilon added.

The city requested funding for up to $20 million, the maximum amount allowed through the provincial Ministry of Education under its financial assistance program for recreational, sports and outdoor infrastructure.

The mayor said the city’s request was rejected due to a large number of applications for the funding, which exceeded the budget that was set aside for project proposals.

Despite the setback, the city still intends to build the aquatic complex in the next phase of its municipal hub project that is being built behind the Centre multisports André-Chagnon on Émilel Bouchard St., adjacent to the Vaudreuil train station. The first phase of the project, a $67.2-million investment that includes the construction of a city hall, library and large outdoor public square, is nearing completion. This phase of the project received grants from the provincial and federal governments of about $4.8 million

“The need for an aquatic complex in this region is very real,” Pilon said. “We are not giving up on the idea of building a new swimming pool.”

“We will analyze the avenues that are currently available to us, including the possibility of consulting with our citizens to determine the next steps,” he added.

The city’s first request for financial aid to build an aquatic complex was made in 2019. At that time, the estimated cost of the project was $39 million. With post-pandemic inflation, the project’s cost estimates have now ballooned to $59 million.