RESIDENTS VOICE WISH LIST FOR THE NATION RECREATION
Parents of children, seniors, and other residents of The Nation voiced their wish list dreams for community recreation, during a May 31 public meeting at the community centre in Limoges.
Some also expressed frustration at what they see as delays on the part of council, about whether or not to follow the example of neighbouring municipalities like Russell Township, and either erect a sports dome or build a sports and recreation complex.
“I believe this town deserves a sports complex,” said Vicky Perry, a recent newcomer to the area from Châteauguay, Québec. She noted that the Montréal suburb was able to develop its own sports complex, complete with an indoor pool, and operate it as a self-sufficient revenue-generating facility which did not depend on annual subsidies from the municipal budget.
Denis Pommainville, a former mayor of the Nation, criticized council for wasting 18 months in consultation and negotiation on a proposed sports dome project and then call a halt because of concerns about financial liability for the municipality. He also suggested that council did not realize the future potential growth for the Village of Limoges.
“You must first see the needs of the people and then find the money,” Pommainville said. “You don’t seem to have any vision of what Limoges could be in five or ten years.”
A hockey arena or an indoor pool were the two most common recreation facilities mentioned during question period by speakers from the audience. Councillor Francis Brière, who chaired the meeting, noted both items are expensive to build and maintain but that a sports dome could still be in the future for the community if residents felt such a facility would answer most of their needs for recreation.
“The reason we are here is to get your thoughts, "Councillor Briere said, "We want to get the pulse of the community. It’s your money we’re going to be spending, and we want to make sure we’re spending it appropriately.”
Brière said residents could email more comments and suggestions to the municipal office or to himself at francis.briere@nationmun.ca. A video of the complete public forum will be available for viewing at the Facebook page of the Limoges Ontario Citizens: Building a stronger community Together group. Anyone wishing to watch the video must ask to be accepted as a member of the group.