Ross Lizée, (president, Club d'aviron de Laval), Ginette Legault-Bernier (Abord-à-Plouffe city councilor), Guy Ouellette (Chomedey MNA), and Jonathan Menivier (national-level rower), are pictured here at the press conference announcing a $100,000 subsidy for renovation work at the rowing club's facilities in Chomedey.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Repair work to be done on Laval Rowing Club facility
Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette and city announce shared investment of $100,000
During what seems an interminable winter at a moment in time more suited to shoveling than rowing, the Club d'aviron de Laval – Laval Rowing Club (CAL) has heard some good news: the Club can count on a $100,000 subsidy from the municipality and the provincial government to finance the renovation and restoration of its present building, located at the Berge des Cageux, on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies, in Chomedey, just west of the Cartierville Bridge.
The provincial government's $50,000 share of the $100,000 total was announced by Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette at a mid-February press conference, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sport (MELS), Michelle Courchesne. Abord-à-Plouffe city councilor Ginette Legault-Bernier, speaking on behalf of mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, disclosed a matching contribution of $50,000 from city hall.
This government aid will make it possible for the rowing club to renovate its washrooms and locker rooms and bring them up to standard. The rowing club is in for the rest of the funds needed to complete the renovation project, estimated to cost $124,203 in all.
"A healthy, stimulating environment increases motivation for people who want to adopt and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle," stated Guy Ouellette, adding that upon completion, the renovations will make it easier for the rowing club to attract new members. "The government has once again demonstrated its commitment to the health of the population. I'm very happy to be associated with this decision," said Mr. Ouellette.
"The government of Quebec created the Sports and Physical Activity Development Fund to enable all the regions to benefit from new sports and recreation facilities," Minister Courchesne stated in a press release. "Access to sports infrastructures encourages people to adopt healthy habits. For this reason, we are happy to contribute to this project," Mrs. Courchesne explained.
Unhealthy
Despite regular maintenance by members, the facilities of the rowing club had reached critical levels. Health conditions in the building provoked serious questions. Mold from damp conditions had begun to attack the walls. The plumbing and drainage were deemed deficient.
The dilapidation of the building in general and the state of the washrooms and locker rooms in particular, had become a serious impediment to the use of the facilities. "Our infrastructures weren't very welcoming. We were losing potential members. Now we can look to the future," stated club president Ross Lizée. "We're going to prepare programs that can be applied at the school level. We've already approached Ecole secondaire Saint-Maxime and the École Internationale, both of the Commission scolaire de Laval."
The renovation work, estimated to take 3 to 5 weeks, should be completed by April. Architect Louis Thériault, an ex-member of the rowing club, drew up the plans for the renovation work.
Boats needed
Ross Lizée is up front about the need to also renew the fleet of boats available to the club. "The quality of our boats could make the difference between winning and coming in second," he concluded.
The Club d'aviron de Laval counts 80 recreational and competitive rowers in its current membership. About 150 school-age children and 50 young people from summer day-camps benefit from the club's facilities and from initiation to rowing courses during the summer months.
Photo: Row
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 24 juillet 2008 / 20°C
/ Couvert
/ Vents: 17 Km/h / Humidité relative: 88 % 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
Richard Cléroux - Le fouineur politique
