Richard-Trottier Arena: "A biased and guided consultation", denounces Parti Laval
Following the information evening on the future of the Richard-Trottier arena in Fabreville, Parti Laval city councillors Louise Lortie (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin) and Martin Vaillancourt (Fabreville-Sud) are condemning the approach taken by the Boyer administration and city management, which they say runs counter to the citizens' wishes and the resolution unanimously adopted by the city council last May. "What we had asked for was that the citizens be able to truly have a say on the future of the site, not that they be presented with a process whose outcome is already predetermined. On Tuesday night, many came to ask that an arena be kept on the site, whereas the City was there to consult on a park. This is unacceptable and the approach must change," declared Ms. Lortie, city councillor and interim leader of Parti Laval.
A consultation with pre-established conclusions
For the Parti Laval elected officials, Tuesday's meeting did not allow for a sufficiently open discussion regarding the possibilities for the future of the arena. Yet, this consultation stemmed notably from a proposal by Mr. Vaillancourt aimed at allowing the public to have a say "on all possible options to meet the needs of the neighborhood residents in terms of local infrastructure."
The evening, which welcomed more than 80 people, sparked numerous reactions and several left the meeting, frustrated by the options presented. "A true consultation isn't coming with a single conclusion and then asking people what they want to design a future park. Several had the feeling that all options weren't really on the table. In this matter, the Boyer administration respected neither the citizens' will nor the unanimous resolution of the municipal council," laments Martin Vaillancourt.
Parti Laval is calling for a change in approach moving forward
Ms. Lortie and Mr. Vaillancourt point out that a significant proportion of the people who spoke on Tuesday expressed a desire to preserve the arena or, at the very least, to see this possibility studied seriously before a final decision is made. The two elected officials therefore sent a letter to the City's management to express their dissatisfaction and demand a change of course. They are asking that the comments made during the evening be genuinely integrated into the deliberation process and that the preservation of the arena be truly considered.
At some point, a choice has to be made. Several old arenas have been renovated—yes, it costs money, but it is a political choice. The people of Fabreville are asking us to preserve their arena. When people mobilize and tell us clearly what they want, our role is to listen to them and act accordingly, concluded Louise Lortie.
Office of the Official Opposition | Parti Laval
Tommy Vallée | Communications Manager
438-875-8663 | t.vallee@laval.ca