JOHN JANTAK
The 1019 Report

Investing just over $14 million in outdoor refrigerated skating rinks and $4.5 million to build a pedestrian overpass that would straddle Highway 30 near the new hospital are two of a long list of proposed projects unveiled last week by the city of Vaudrueil-Dorion as part of a $466-million five-year capital investment plan.

The city is looking to operate two refrigerated skating rinks. One would be at the site of its new municipal hub on Émile Bouchard Street, behind the sports complex on De La Gare Blvd., which would cost  $475,000. The other would be installed in the park by Quatre-Saisons school, near the corner of Émile Bouchard Street and Jean Béliveau Street, which would have a $13.9-million budget. This rink, which would operate only in winter, would have a covered roof and feature a service building, lighting and cooling system integrated into the slab.

The pedestrian overpass over Highway 30 would be a multi-purpose archway that would create another access route to the hospital.

In all, the city has put forward plans for more than 100 proposed projects as part of its capital investment plan for 2025-2029. Not all projects, however, will be realized within that timeframe.

“The population’s ability to pay is always at the forefront of our minds and the municipal council will always ensure it is respected,” said Mayor Guy Pilon.

“These new projects will be in line with the new reality regarding climate change,” Pilon added. “Maybe some projects won’t be done and the money will be used for other things.

“For the next six months, we will have a final realignment of our five-year-plan,” he said.

Other projects include:

• $21.5 million to upgrade infrastructure in the old Dorion sector of the city, including water service and sewer system work
• $30.7 million to widen Cité des Jeunes Blvd., from Des Floralies Street to the future hospital, including the addition of a bicycle lane
• $20 million to increase the capacity of the sewer system for the Harwood-De Lotbinière sector of the city
• $14 million to redevelopment Chicoine Street, between De Lotbinière and Brown Street.
• $25 million for the construction of a new municipal garage on Henry Ford Street.
• $1.9 million to build two basketball courts on the grounds of Cité des Jeunes campus
• $1.45 million to install a synthetic sports field at École secondaire des Échos on De Clichy Street in the old Dorion section of the city.
• $675,000 to build volleyball courts, training facilities and add lighting and other minor improvements at Paul-Gérin-Lajoie Park along the waterfront on St. Charles Ave. across from Cité des Jeunes campus

Some projects, like planned infrastructure upgrades in the old Dorion sector and for the multi-purpose walkway across Highway 30, could receive financial assistance from the province.

The redevelopment of Chicoine Street has already received a $2.46-million.

provincial grant.