Baie-D’Urfé gets financial help to upgrade rec facilities

A major investment is in the works to improve recreational facilities in Baie-D’Urfé with the intent of getting more people outside and active.

The cost of $268,000 will be split equally by the three levels of government to rebuild a small playground area behind the red barn and to install a new refrigeration system at the curling club.

The existing cooling system at the club is 59 years old — as old as the club — and is inefficient.

“The club was built in 1959 so the unit is approaching 60 years. So it’s time for a new investment. We want of course to see curling continue,” John Michalovic, the club’s VP told Global News.

The basketball court behind the barn will be converted into a multi-sport terrain adding other activities including volleyball and ball hockey, and it will become a skating rink during the winter. The paved pathway around the existing playground will also become an ice rink during the winter.

Each level of government is contributing about $90,000 toward the upgrades.

“You’ll be able to skate around the sporting equipment here. Things like that are a lot of fun,” Geoff Kelley, Liberal MNA (Jacques-Cartier) told Global News.

The town of Baie-D’Urfé applied for federal and provincial grants to guarantee the project.

Baie-D’Urfé’s $90,000 contribution is coming from the town’s surplus.

“Baie-D’Urfé is a pay-as-you-go municipality. We will not borrow money for projects,” Mayor Maria Tutino told Global News.

The lakefront, bedroom community with stately homes on sprawling properties has a lot of young families moving in according to the mayor.

She argues the infrastructure improvements will be a big benefit to get more people active.

“We want people outside of their homes, away from their televisions. internet, etc.,” she said.

Construction is slated to begin this spring with renovations finished by the summer.