CASC in 2010

Young people, families, children and seniors from the district will soon be able to benefit from sports and community programming and partake in a range of activities. In the presence of Saint-Laurent Member of the National Assembly Jacques Dupuis, at a press conference, Quebec Minister of Recreation and Sports Michelle Courchesne announced an investment of $7.4 million for the CASC project. Community representatives and members of the CASC board of directors present did not hesitate to stand up and applaud following the announcement.

The three-floor project, which has all the characteristics of a YMCA, will include a gymnasium, swimming pool, general-purpose rooms and a daycare. "The Y is a well established organization in the community,” said Courchesne. “We know its importance and involvement in the community. The Y is the community life which answers a variety of needs and is an important gathering place."

Dupuis emphasized the social nature of the project. "The project will include sports facilities, but it also will bring immense benefit to Cartierville from a social point of view,” he said. “The CASC will make it possible for the population to come together."

In order to complete this project, with costs estimated at $21 million, the city of Montreal will invest $5.9 million, the YMCA of greater Montreal $4.7 million and the provincial government $7.4 million. The federal government remains to be convinced to contribute the balance of $3 million.

For Ahuntsic-Cartierville Mayor Marie-Andrée Beaudoin, this announcement allows for the celebration of an important first stage in financing the project. "It is a great day for the borough and particularly for Cartierville,” she said, “With this help, we approach our goal."

Beaudoin added that she is confident the federal government can be convinced to also invest in the project.

The president of the board of directors of CASC Jeannine Laurin, was also optimistic about the participation of the federal government. "We are now moving forward, it is almost done," she said.

According to Laurin, construction will be happen in any case. "If the federal government takes too long in giving its answer, there will be two floors and we will keep the third floor until the end,” she said. “It is where the offices of the YMCA and the daycare will be located." (Translated by Michael Beigleman)