Apr 2 2014
On Monday March 31st, Vanier College's Board of Directors gave the green light for the construction of a synthetic field on its campus. Work is scheduled to begin this spring. The field, which will also be used by Saint-Laurent sports clubs, should be ready in October.
Construction will occur in two phases. Artificial turf, a fence, lighting and a scoreboard will be installed in the first. A possible second phase would see lockers, storage facilities and stands set up within a few years.
This project was jointly announced in December 2012 by its partners, the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS), the Saint-Laurent Borough and Vanier College. With a Phase I price tag of $2,493,198, the new field's construction will be made possible by a $650,308 investment from Vanier College, $800,890 in support from the MELS, $592,000 in funding from Saint-Laurent Borough and $450,000 from the Vanier College Student Association.
The field will comply with sustainable development principles in construction and operation, a concern shared by all partners. The field will consist entirely of recycled products and be equipped with a low-consumption lighting system.
"Saint-Laurent is proud to team with Vanier College in producing this new artificial turf field that our community eagerly awaits. This project will benefit all citizens while also responding to the needs and concerns of Saint-Laurent residents. My fellow Board members and I believe we must provide residents with new sites for practicing their favourite sports and enabling sports clubs to pursue their development," said Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa.
"Vanier College is delighted to have concluded this cooperative agreement with the Saint-Laurent Borough. We constantly strive to improve sports facilities for students and athletes and are particularly pleased this new field will also serve the community," said Normand W. Bernier, Director General of Vanier College.
Photo available upon request.