The city was denied a grant from the federal infrastructure program, essential to the realization of the ambitious $ 33 million project.
This project includes the construction of a 1,500-seat arena, a gymnasium with an artificial soccer field, several sports arenas and an athletics track. The City wanted to build this center by 2022.
It is quite a disappointment.
The federal subsidy was to amount to $ 10 million. Quebec was to provide an identical amount under this federal-provincial program.
The City does not give up
This means that the City of Sept-Îles must now find $ 20 million elsewhere if it hopes that its multisport center will see the light of day.
The mayor of Sept-Îles intends to put pressure on the minister responsible for the Côte-Nord, Jonatan Julien, to find a solution to the problem.
It is certain that we will not let go of this here, launched Réjean Porlier during the city council meeting on Monday. We will see how we will resume and we will sit down with Mr. Julien after the holidays.
In any case, there is an appointment that we cannot delay, it is the replacement of the arena.
The mayor also recalled the importance that Quebec wishes to grant to the quality of life of the communities under its Northern Action Plan, unveiled last week. He believes that this multi-sport center project fits perfectly in this direction and should therefore be part of this approach undertaken by Quebec.
