baseball coach

By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

Parc-Extension’s borough council returned from its summer break on Tuesday evening,
September 2nd, to a packed room, where residents once again pressed officials on the planned
demolition of a baseball field at Parc Prévost.

Families, children, and coaches filled the chamber, many wearing their team gear. It was a
follow-up to earlier protests over the loss of baseball space in the neighborhood.
The evening began with regular borough business. The mayor highlighted the adoption of an
urbanism plan linked to the abandoned Chinese hospital near Saint-Michel, noting: “We are
really happy about this news. Despite economic constraints, the borough continues to find a
way to develop its social housing.”

Councillor Mary Deros offered thanks to borough staff for their work during August’s many
events and festivities and reminded drivers and cyclists to be cautious with the school year
underway: “Drivers and cyclists, be careful with our kids.” She also urged residents to remember
the upcoming November municipal elections: “Please go vote.”
Councillor Sylvain Ouellet announced new signage coming to the neighborhood, while
Councillor Josué Corvil reminded the room that September 10 marks Suicide Prevention Day.

Baseball concerns dominate question period
The real focus of the night came during question period, beginning with Maxime Brossard,
president of the Jarry Amateur Baseball Association, who attended with his daughter Margot.
He argued that his association was not properly warned about the demolition of Parc Prévost’s
field and that promised solutions have yet to materialize.
Margot asked directly: “What will the borough do to meet the baseball association’s
requirements?”

Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde apologized, saying she had been under the impression that
the association had been notified, and stressed that no demolition was imminent. She added
that time slots remain available at Parc Prévost for the moment and that the borough wants to
work with the association to find solutions.

Another resident, Maeva Willard, and her mother presented a petition calling for renovations to
the field rather than its destruction. Maeva, who has played for five years, told council she has
seen her playing time shrink each season as schedules tighten.