County Mayor Maja Vodanovic revealed plans this week to transform the old marina into a boat park. Members of the Lachine yacht club would like to see space to dock 160 boats.
.
If all goes well, people will be able to swim in the place that used to house the Lachine marina next year, says district mayor Maja Vodanovic.
Announcement 2
.
Vodanovic unveiled plans this week to transform the old marina into a boat park, complete with a dedicated swimming area. Dozens of trees would be planted, new wetlands developed, and walkways and floating walkways built to nearby Parc René-Lévesque. A bathing area would be installed on the north side of the park facing the river, in the area that housed the marina. where 453 boats docked until the city of Montreal took the place and closed to navigation in 2021.
“The best water quality we have in the area is on the north side of Parc René-Lévesque,” facing the Lachine Canal bike path, Vodanovic said. “The water there is very deep, so there is no algae, and we are going to have platforms that you can jump into the water from.”
Announcement 3
.
The plan, which is expected to cost at least $65 million and take place over five years, will also include the reconstruction of the waterfront at Parc René-Lévesque and the repair of the Fur Trade museum in Lachine. There will also be money to upgrade the Lachine Canoe Club and the Lachine Rowing Club, as well as the sailing club.
The city will go out to tender in the fall for an urban planning firm to draw up plans for the project.
Members of Lachine’s yacht club, the Association des plaisanciers du Port de plaisance de Lachine, took the town to court to get an injunction against the marina’s conversion, but gave up their battle when they ran out of funds to pay their bills. legal fees. .
However, upon learning of the latest plans, the group released a statement saying it would like the city to consider keeping space to dock 160 ships.
Announcement 4
.
Vodanovic said he is not opposed to having places for some boats, but not the same number as before, and not in the same place.
“They can’t be in that place, because it’s too narrow for people to walk to go swimming, families and then have cars with trailers and boats,” he said. “Putting public money for a few people who occupy a privileged space is not what we want to do.”
Vodanovic said he would consider a proposal to build a boat area on the west side of the bay, closer to 32nd Ave.
Martine Rochon, a spokeswoman for the boaters, said she is optimistic her group can reach an agreement with the city to allow the yachts to return to the area. Rochon said she is pleased with the plans put forth by the city, because there still appears to be room for boats.
“We are open to talks,” he said. “I think we were offered places for 60 boats, and that would be minimal, considering this was the largest marina in Quebec. But we feel there is an opportunity, so that’s good news.
“We believe that our proposal would help bring back the nautical spirit in Lachine, which has disappeared (since the marina closed).”
