Coteau-du-Lac's elected officials have authorized the municipal administration to proceed with the call for tenders for the construction of a refrigerated skating rink on municipal territory. Councillor Patrick Delforge tabled a resolution to this effect at the regular meeting held on October 10. 

On May 14, a draft borrowing by-law was adopted to decree a capital expenditure of $8,420,000 and a loan of $5,420,000 to finance the construction of a refrigerated skating rink on municipal territory. 

This followed a notice of motion tabled at the April meeting. Clerk Chantal Paquette informed council members that the borrowing by-law process generally takes three or four months. Several stages must be completed before the by-law is approved, including opening the register to those eligible to vote who wish to object.

 Following the tabling of this resolution, and before its adoption, Mr. Delforge called for a vote. 

Alain Laprade of District 1, said he was in favor of going ahead with the project. “I want to know what citizens think, and to do that, we need to have a price for building the rink. So I'm in favor of going ahead with this stage, and then we'll have all the tools in hand to survey the population.” 

For his part, André Legros, from district 3, said he was against this step. “I'd like us to wait before applying for a grant again,” he said.  

His colleague, Isabelle Lemay from district 4, was in favor of starting this “very long process”. 

District 5 representative Christine Arsenault said she had been in favor of the project since she took office. “It's interesting. The current project involves more than just building a refrigerated rink.If the bids received at the end of the call for tenders are too high, there's nothing to stop us from lowering the price.We'll also be able to see whether citizens agree or not once we know the amount associated with the project.”

Lastly, Patrick Delforge of District 6 was also in favor.“We need to be proactive and know how much we're getting in bids. Maybe it would cost less if we don't get any subsidies?Citizens will always have the choice, at the end of this process, to say no by signing a register. At least they'll have all the information they need to make a decision.”