Citizens of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines have expressed their disagreement with the proposed aquatic complex project, leading to the project being put on hold. A register was signed by 2,283 citizens, which is 20% of the voting population, surpassing the required 1,193 signatures. The register also contested the loan of $14,300,000 needed for the project’s construction costs.
The aquatic center project has been under consideration for some time, with Mayor Julie Boivin and the council presenting it to the citizens in June 2022. However, the project faced opposition due to its costs, with citizens finding it too expensive in the current economic situation. Many were not willing to pay an additional tax, especially during a period of increased inflation in Quebec.
Mayor Julie Boivin acknowledged the citizens’ refusal and stated that the project would be put on hold. She emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the citizens and mentioned that pool projects have faced similar challenges in the past due to cost concerns. Boivin suggested that future versions of the project could explore alternative funding options, such as subsidies for sports infrastructure, to reduce costs and increase social acceptability.
Despite some citizens lacking civility during the process, Mayor Boivin commended the democratic process and the majority of signatories for their exemplary behavior. She highlighted the importance of voting and how it allows people to understand the decision-making process at City Hall.
While the project is currently on hold, there is a possibility that it may be revisited in the future. Mayor Boivin mentioned the potential for representing the project in a new form, potentially with support from the provincial government. The future of the aquatic complex project in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines remains uncertain.
By David Simard-Jean
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What steps is Mayor Julie Boivin considering to make the project more feasible and potentially receive support from the provincial government
Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines Citizens Make Waves: Aquatic Complex Project Put on Hold
In a surprising turn of events, the proposed aquatic complex project in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines has been put on an indefinite hold. The project, which was met with mixed reactions, faced strong opposition from the community, resulting in a petition that garnered an impressive 2,283 signatures – exceeding the required amount by a staggering 20%.
Mayor Julie Boivin and the council initially presented the ambitious project to the citizens back in June 2022. However, the exorbitant costs involved raised concerns among the locals, especially against the backdrop of an already strained economy. With inflation rates on the rise across Quebec, many residents were simply not willing to shoulder the burden of an additional tax.
Acknowledging the overwhelming response from the community, Mayor Boivin made the difficult decision to halt the project. She stressed the importance of honoring the voice of the people, citing similar instances in the past where pool projects were derailed due to financial concerns. In an effort to salvage the concept and make it more feasible, the Mayor hinted at exploring alternative funding options such as securing subsidies for sports infrastructure.
While there were unfortunately some instances of incivility throughout the process, Mayor Boivin commended the majority of signatories for their exemplary behavior and their commitment to the democratic process. She emphasized the significance of active participation and voting, as it grants individuals a firsthand understanding of the decision-making process taking place in City Hall.
Although the project is currently in limbo, there is a glimmer of hope for its revival. Mayor Boivin hinted at the possibility of reworking the proposal into a new, more palatable form – potentially with support from the provincial government. As the future of the aquatic complex project remains uncertain, the citizens of Saint-Anne-des-Plaines eagerly await further developments, bracing themselves for the possibility of diving back into the discussion.
