Advertisement

With federal, provincial go-ahead, Verdun beach set to open in 2019

In this 2014 file photo, members of Projet Montreal are in the water near Verdun to promote the idea of a new beach in the area. The beach is set to open in 2019. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2019. Sebastian Dorval-Gagnon/Global News

With the early onslaught of winter, swimming in the St. Lawrence River may not be top of mind for most for most Montrealers.

After years of discussions, however, Verdun will finally be getting its new beach next year, after the federal and provincial governments gave the project the go-ahead.

READ MORE: Verdun Beach construction underway but questions linger

In a written statement, Verdun borough mayor Jean-François Parenteau said citizens will be able to swim at the beach behind the Verdun Auditorium in 2019.

City officials warned that much work still needed to be done before the beach can open, and as such, have given a contractor permission to work seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Surfing the St. Lawrence River

Click to play video: 'Surfers find sweet spot in Montreal'
Surfers find sweet spot in Montreal

Part of that work will be to adjust the depth of the river in the area to make it safe for swimmers.

Story continues below advertisement

Verdun says it has several measures in place to mitigate any negative impacts on fish habitats, including setting up turbidity curtains, sediment barriers, protecting trees  and monitoring suspended matter in the water.

READ MORE: Verdun decides where to put its new beach

The bike path that runs along the beach will be detoured around the auditorium to Gaétan-Laberge Boulevard during construction.

The bike path will be detoured during construction of the beach in Verdun. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. City of Montreal

Sponsored content

AdChoices