Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

After a three-year hiatus due to decontamination work, La Fonderie will reopen to local athletes, a commitment made by Gatineau’s now Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette during her by-election campaign.

Starting this fall, Gatineau residents will have access to a synthetic turf soccer field and two multisport fields in the Hull sector thanks to a renewed partnership between the City and Gestion ARSO for the management of the facilities on the second floor of La Fonderie, known as the Centre Multisport, for the next five years.

“This agreement will make accessible, modern facilities available to all while supporting the development of the sports infrastructure needed for soccer and other sports in Gatineau,” Marquis-Bissonnette wrote in a press release.

As per the agreement, Gestion ARSO will be responsible for managing and coordinating the rental of the three sports facilities available to citizens, school groups, and various sports organizations in the region. The City will still retain the right to use the facilities for its open participation activities and certain recognized organizations such as soccer clubs.

Gestion ARSO and Soccer Outaouais director general Richard Gravel said the renewed partnership was “a breath of fresh air” for Gatineau’s sports and cultural communities.

“Working together is a guarantee of success and opens the door to other future projects for the benefit of all,” wrote Gravel.

Photo caption: Fulfilling a by-election commitment, Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette announces the renewed partnership between the City and Gestion ARSO, which will reopen the sports facilities on the second floor of La Fonderie.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark