Sports clubs have been asking for it for years. It is finally during the weekend that the traditional ribbon cutting will take place at the brand new aquatic complex in Laval.
As the swimming pools on Île Jésus are increasingly dilapidated, new aquatic facilities were necessary and they will fill a huge void in the area. Everything is part of a desire for Laval to be a sporting city.
The project unveiled in 2017 had to be reset along the way since the complex was initially supposed to open for the 2020 Quebec Games. It is intended to be mixed, with civic and sports offerings.
In addition to the 52-meter pool approved by the international federation, a first in Laval, there is a diving pool and another recreational pool, with water games, a slide and an initiation pool.
We can accommodate nearly 800 people to come and swim at the same time. It’s going to become a really important place for swimming, water sports […]everything will be possible
proudly declares the mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer.
At the dawn of the opening of the complex at 2205, avenue Terry-Fox, in the Chomedey district, the City consolidated its aquatic sports clubs into a single entity. A revival for an environment that was struggling.
The membership was still low, apart from [pour la] swimming, which was a little limited by the pools. But in artistic swimming and diving, the key was in the door for all intents and purposes
mentions the general director of EAU Laval, Oliver Bertrand.
National teams in training
In its Olympic pool, the aquatic center will host a Canadian para-swimming event in two years. The City of Laval wishes to host at least two provincial or national level competitions on an annual basis.
Moreover, the national artistic swimming and diving teams have found a training location while waiting to be able to reconnect with their home.
With the closure of the National Sports Institute and the renovations to the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, the City of Laval gave them access to its state-of-the-art center for a break-in period before the official opening.
The aquatic complex took a long time to come to fruition, with a bill that rose from 61 to 125 million dollars and opposition that made a fuss of it at City Hall.
Mayor Boyer believes that the game was worth it with this necessary investment
.
In a city we often talk about roads, snow removal, potholes, infrastructure. Yes, it’s important, but the development of individuals, their fulfillment, is also important, it happens through culture, the arts, also through sport
supports the mayor.
Swimmers from Laval and elsewhere will have the opportunity to enjoy the aquatic center starting December 21.
With information from Olivier Paradis-Lemieux
