Benny Park

By Joel Ceausu
The Suburban

The borough of Côte des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce has authorized nearly $3.4 million for the new skateboard park at Benny Park, including all taxes, contingencies and incidental costs.

The contract worth $2,826,948.00, was awarded to LES EXCAVATIONS SUPER inc., the lowest of six bidders. The second phase targets the construction project of a new skatepark as well as the complete demolition of the surface of the existing skatepark which will in turn be transformed into a green space. This project therefore constitutes a direct response to multiple demands by skateboard enthusiasts.

Last year, a public consultation with residents of the targeted sector prompted a general portrait of the needs and demands for spaces and facilities, followed by numerous internal consultations and formation of a working committee comprised of citizens, skateboarders, borough staff as well as the Montreal Skate Association (ASM).

To ensure complete project financing, some $1.5 million will come from the borough’s 10-year capital works program (PDI); $575,493 from the borough surplus allocated to various parks projects; and $953,601 from the borough’s parks fund.

Construction work begins in June and is expected to wrap up in June of 2025.

The cost estimate for the work submitted by the designers is $2,718,566.55, taxes included. The bid from Excavations Super was four percent higher than the professional estimate, but considering current construction market conditions, the borough considers the difference “very acceptable.” n