On the evening of Tuesday, February 11, the elected officials of the Ville de Coteau-du-Lac adopted the borrowing by-law for the refrigerated skating rink project. This step had to be taken by the municipal administration to allow a registry day to be held on February 25. 

The borrowing by-law decrees a capital expenditure of $7,598,320. Of this amount, $3 million will be financed from unrestricted surpluses. The remaining $4,597,480 will be financed by the borrowing by-law.

The resolution was adopted by a majority of councillors. District 1 representative Alain Laprade spoke out against the borrowing by-law, "but I'm not against the project. The time will never be right to spend such a large sum. I'd like us to take the time to analyze the situation and make the most informed decision under the circumstances."

His colleague from District 2, François Décosse, voted in favor of the resolution. "This is a project that was already in the plans before I arrived at the council table. Too much money has already been invested in it to turn back now. We held an information evening on the project and produced leaflets for citizens. I trust the public to settle the debate. If they are against the project, I invite them to sign the register on February 25. After that date, we'll really have the pulse of the population on the issue." 

Alain Legros of District 3 also leaned in favor of the resolution. "I'm going to vote in favor, although I wasn't in favor of proceeding with this issue without obtaining a grant. But like my colleague, I trust the citizens and will rally behind their decision." 

District 4 Councillor Isabelle Lemay also voted in favour of the resolution. "It must be adopted to allow the population to express itself on the subject. I invite citizens to get involved so we can get the pulse of our fellow citizens." 

Like many of his colleagues, Patrick Delfroge of District 6 endorsed the resolution. "A survey conducted in 2024 showed that a refrigerated ice rink was among citizens' priorities, so I think we need to move forward on this issue. However, I encourage those who are against it to show up at the registry day on February 25."

District 5 Councillor Christine Arseneault was absent from the meeting. 

A registry day to come on February 25

Like all borrowing by-laws, the refrigerated skating rink by-law is governed by the Cities and Towns Act and must be approved by voters. The register allows all Coteau-du-Lac citizens to express their disagreement. Should a sufficient number of objections be received, the municipality may submit the by-law to a referendum or abandon it. Otherwise, the by-law will be approved.

The launch of the call for tenders is scheduled for March 2025, while the awarding of the turnkey contract should be approved at the meeting of April 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Construction is scheduled to start next May, with the first skaters expected in autumn 2026. These dates are subject to change, subject to approval of the borrowing by-law.

A total of 609 signatures must be collected to stop the adoption of the borrowing by-law. If this number is reached, the city will have two choices: hold a referendum on the issue, or stop the process.  

During question period, Stéphane Desrochers, of Bourbonnais Street, questioned the mayor about the fact that the registry day was being held on a Tuesday, in the middle of the week, and that citizens would only have one day to make their opposition to the project known. 

"That's the way the law is. We have around 3,000 people eligible to vote, which determines how many days will be required to hold the register. To have two days, the city would have to have more than 10,000 eligible voters. In addition, this procedure must be held between Monday and Friday, and cannot be held on weekends. Nor can we sign electronically. You must ensure that the person signing is on the list of qualified voters and has proof of residence. The doors will be closed at 7 p.m. on February 25, and it will no longer be possible to come to Town Hall," said Town Clerk Chantal Paquette.

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