Borough pushes ahead with aquatic complex
Pierrefonds-Roxboro is moving ahead with plans to build an aquatic and recreational complex.
Last week, the borough approved a contract for a firm to produce a pre-architectural design study. The $43,415 contract was awarded to BC2 Groupe Conseil Inc.
Borough Mayor Jim Beis said the study is the first step of a process that will bring a much-needed “multi-generational” aquatic/recreational complex to the northern part of the West Island.
“This is the first step in realizing the eventual recreation centre here in Pierrefonds,” Beis said.
“It’s never been done before. We’ve talked about it for decades. And here we are taking the first step in order for us to have all the information required before we go forward.
“We’re lacking this type of facility in the West Island, particularly in our borough,” he added.
“Dollard has the Civic Centre, which my kids and everyone else’s kids, used for years. But we don’t have anything in Pierrefonds here, or in Île-Bizard for that matter.”
Beis said the aquatic/recreational facility is part of the Montreal’s master plan for recreational facilities. It would likely be built near where the old municipal arena once stood along Pierrefonds Blvd.
“That land ... is identified as the location of this multi-generational pool and recreational facility,” he said.
“One of the items on the city’s strategic plan is to focus on centre core of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, which is from St-Jean Blvd. to Richmond St., where the library will be built, where ( borough) hall is, (Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School) and all that.”
Construction could begin by 2019, Beis added. “It’s a long process. But I think that is realistic in terms of getting that first shovel in.”
Although still in the pre-planning stages, Beis said the new aquatic /recreational complex would likely be somewhat similar to the new recreational facility on Dawson Ave. in Dorval.
The $20-million Dorval Aquatic and Sports Complex opened in 2015.