Two synthetic sports fields:
$2.5 million for sports projects in Aylmer
West Quebec’s MNAs announced February 19 over $2.5 million from Quebec for two synthetic sports fields in Aylmer. One will be at Symmes Jr. and D'Arcy McGee High School and the other at l’École Secondaire Grande-Rivière (ESGR). The province will contribute $1.25 million to each project, which should both be complete this summer.
The province’s contribution is part of a provincial envelope of over $50 million that will fund 110 projects across Quebec.
Pontiac MNA André Fortin said these projects are a priority, despite provincial cuts to health, daycare, and education. “It is a priority to have additional recreational infrastructure in Aylmer which continues to attract new families. We need to provide them with appropriate infrastructure.”
The Minister for Recreation and Sport, Luc Fortin, argued that these are investments rather than expenses.
“Sports programs have a big impact on academic success, notably for boys; it’s important to keep students in school,” said the minister; “it’s also an investment in healthcare because, by staying active, Quebecers will rely less on healthcare services,” he stated.
The Pontiac MNA added that the synthetic turf will extend the sports season longer. “A relationship with sports develops lifestyle habits they (students) will keep their whole life,” he told the Bulletin.
The Pontiac MNA said that the projects will benefit the whole community because the fields will be accessible to residents outside school hours.
Gatineau is contributing $580,000 for the ESGR field and $947,000 for D'Arcy McGee’s. WQSB Chairman James Shea told the Bulletin, “The field will allow us to host community activities and attract positive attention to our school. It’s not only about sports; it’s about education and encouraging students to stay in school.”
The WQSB’s contribution is about $300,000 in capital, 100% of which is subsidized by the Ministry of Education.
“There had been no funds dedicated to sports infrastructure, so when the $50 million was announced, it revived projects such as D'Arcy’s. The analysis used eight criteria and the Aylmer projects answered all of them” added Maryse Gaudreault, Hull MNA.
These criteria include proximity to other sport installations, demand in the community, accessibility, and others.
The new field might permit D'Arcy to launch its own sports program; Hadley Junior High and Philemon Wright High recently announced their own sports program.
“The schools are not in competition with each other. These are complementary programs and they put us into a full partnership with Gatineau,” explained Mr. Shea. “With three fields nearby we could host major tournaments, bringing national teams to the city.”
This might be true for soccer, rugby, or football, but not for hockey. Despite Aylmer’s recent growth, there are still only two arenas, the most recent built in the 90’s.
“As for a new arena, that’s a municipal file, but I can tell you the city is aware that some rinks are nearing the end of their service life,” said MNA André Fortin.
