Author: The Record
Published October 27, 2024

Photo by William Crooks
Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin, Minister Isabelle Charest, and MNA Geneviève Hébert stand together overlooking the Magog River following the announcement of $6 million in funding for local recreational infrastructure improvements

$6M boost for Sherbrooke’s recreation facilities

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Residents of Sherbrooke can look forward to revitalized recreational facilities, thanks to a $6 million provincial grant. At a press conference overlooking the Magog River in Sherbrooke on Oct. 25, Isabelle Charest, Minister for Sport, Recreation, and Outdoor Activities, joined by Saint-François MNA Geneviève Hébert and Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin, outlined plans to use funds from the Programme d’aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives, sportives et de plein air (PAFIRSPA) to renovate two community landmarks: the Parc des Optimistes outdoor pool and the pedestrian bridge along the Magog Gorge promenade.

The grant is part of a larger $1.5 billion commitment over the next decade to improve sport and recreational infrastructure across Quebec, with Sherbrooke among the first to benefit from the $300 million initial funding phase.

“Access to quality recreational infrastructure is crucial,” Charest said on the scene, emphasizing the broad impacts of such projects. “It not only benefits physical health but also mental well-being. These are spaces where people of all ages gather, connect, and experience the joy of being active.”

Parc des Optimistes pool renovation

The Parc des Optimistes pool has been a key gathering place for Sherbrooke’s residents since its construction in 1960, with the last upgrade in 1990. The facility will undergo a complete overhaul, covering everything from the pool basin and filtration systems to the service building, which houses changing rooms, lifeguard stations, and necessary mechanical upgrades. The renovation project is budgeted at $8.9 million, with PAFIRSPA funding $5.8 million of that amount.

“This outdoor pool has been a fixture in Sherbrooke’s community life,” Hébert said, describing it as a location where “people of all ages come together, and families can enjoy quality time.” She expressed her appreciation for the collaboration between municipal and provincial officials, remarking, “It’s always a pleasure to participate in announcements like these. Facilities like Parc des Optimistes offer people the chance to stay active close to home, and modernized amenities will better serve our community’s needs.”

According to a related press release, the pool project is structured over several phases. Starting in spring 2025, contracts for professional services will be awarded, followed by design work extending from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Construction contracts are expected by autumn 2026, with the facility’s reopening targeted for summer 2028.

Magog Gorge promenade pedestrian bridge

Equally significant is the project to replace the Magog Gorge promenade pedestrian bridge, which serves not only residents but also tourists exploring the scenic Magog Gorge area and nearby attractions. The existing wooden bridge will be replaced by a new metal structure, engineered to withstand the elements for over 50 years.

“This is truly a hidden gem in Sherbrooke,” Beaudin said. She explained that the bridge offers a unique experience, with a scenic view of the Magog Gorge, and connects visitors to the historic Frontenac Hydro Power Station. The station, which Beaudin called “one of our city’s jewels,” is a point of pride for Sherbrooke’s heritage and offers residents and visitors a glimpse into the area’s industrial history.

The bridge project, with a total cost of $2.7 million, received $200,000 from PAFIRSPA, while the remaining funds are being managed through municipal budget allocations. The Sherbrooke municipal council recently approved an additional $1.5 million in funding to support the bridge’s replacement, highlighting the importance of this infrastructure to the city.

Beaudin shared that the bridge had been flagged for urgent repairs last year due to structural concerns. “It was a piece of infrastructure we were closely monitoring,” she said. “We knew work would be necessary in the coming years, but we had to close it temporarily when it became clear that repairs were no longer enough—it needed full replacement.” With the added support from the provincial program, the bridge replacement is expected to proceed smoothly, with bids opening by late fall 2024 and construction beginning in spring 2025, aiming for completion by the end of summer.

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