Lachine residents gathered on June 22, 2026 to oppose the borough’s decision to abandon a proposed open‑air swimming pool on Lac Saint‑Louis. The mayor of the Lachine borough had advised dropping the project, citing what he described as prohibitive costs. Community members challenged the justification, saying the figures presented were unclear and appeared inflated.
The opposition group argued that the pool would provide a valuable recreational amenity for families and seniors, especially during the summer months when the lake’s shoreline is a popular gathering spot. They emphasized that the cancellation would remove a potential venue for health‑promoting activities and reduce the neighbourhood’s appeal to visitors.
Mayor’s office officials maintained that a thorough financial review indicated the project’s expenses exceeded the borough’s budgetary capacity. However, residents questioned the transparency of the cost analysis, requesting a detailed breakdown of the projected expenses. They urged the municipal council to reconsider and to explore alternative funding sources rather than discarding the plan outright.
City planners had originally included the outdoor pool in a broader vision for waterfront development, aiming to enhance public access to Lac Saint‑Louis. The recent shift in stance has sparked a debate over fiscal priorities and community input in municipal decision‑making. While the mayor highlighted the need for fiscal prudence, residents stressed that long‑term social benefits should also factor into budgetary choices.
The rally concluded with a petition being circulated, calling for a public hearing on the pool project and for the borough to release the cost data used to justify its cancellation. Organizers indicated they will continue to monitor the issue and seek dialogue with elected officials to find a viable path forward for the proposed swimming facility.