At the **National Assembly**, **Marie-Claude Nichols, Independent MNA for Vaudreuil**, has called on the **CAQ government** to invest in **sports infrastructure projects** in her riding, particularly the long-delayed **Pincourt arena project**. She also requested a **meeting with the Premier** to discuss the issue.
Nichols’ plea comes after the recent closure of the **Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue arena**, which was deemed too outdated to continue operating. This has left young athletes, including those in the **Sport-Études program at Chêne-Bleu High School**, with no choice but to travel to **Valleyfield** to train.
The CAQ Needs to Make the Right Choices
Nichols criticized the **CAQ government** for passing a bill last week recognizing **hockey as Quebec’s national sport** while simultaneously granting **$7 million in public funds** to the **Los Angeles Kings** for their visit to Quebec. Meanwhile, local municipalities in her riding continue to see their **arena project requests denied**.
“If the CAQ government—so passionate about hockey—had invested that $7 million into the Pincourt arena project, our families, young student-athletes, seniors, and even individuals with reduced mobility would have access to a nearby ice facility today,” Nichols stated. “Unfortunately, our municipalities see their project rejected year after year. It’s time for the CAQ to make the right choices and invest in services that benefit the population.”
A Long-Awaited Sports Complex for Île Perrot
The **Pincourt arena project** is a collaborative effort between the municipalities of **Pincourt, L’Île-Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, and Terrasse-Vaudreuil**. The proposed **sports facility** would include **two ice surfaces** and be fully accessible to people with mobility challenges.
Despite meeting all the **eligibility criteria** for Quebec’s **Financial Assistance Program for Recreational and Sports Infrastructure (PAFIRSPA)**, funding applications submitted in **2020 and 2023** were both **rejected**. Nichols pointed out that construction on the arena actually began in **2003** but was **never completed**.
Driving 80 KM a Day to Train
With **Vaudreuil-Soulanges experiencing rapid population growth**, existing sports facilities **can no longer meet demand**. The **closure of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue arena** has only worsened the situation, forcing skaters and hockey players to **travel to Valleyfield** or, in some cases, **end their seasons altogether**.
“It’s unacceptable that families in Vaudreuil have to drive **80 km a day** just to get their kids to practice,” Nichols said. “Some of my constituents, who have played hockey for over **40 years**, are now being forced to **hang up their skates** because there’s simply nowhere for them to play. Despite visits from the **Minister of Education, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the MNA for Soulanges**, no action has been taken. If we want **active youth and a healthy population**, what is the CAQ waiting for to support our municipalities?” she concluded.
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