Lachine officials announced a public consultation to determine the future of the proposed open‑water swimming pool in Lac Saint‑Louis. The meeting, set for the coming weeks, will give residents and supporters a chance to voice their opinions before a final decision is made on whether the project proceeds or is abandoned.
The pool, envisioned as a community‑run facility on the shores of Lac Saint‑Louis, has been the subject of heated discussion for several months. Municipal leaders say the initiative has faced repeated threats of cancellation, prompting them to seek direct input from the neighbourhood to gauge support and address concerns.
City representatives explained that the consultation will be open to all Lachine residents, as well as groups that have publicly backed the pool. Participants will be invited to review project details, including cost estimates, environmental considerations, and operational plans. Officials intend to use the feedback gathered to shape a final recommendation to the council.
The timing of the meeting follows a period of uncertainty for the project. Earlier this year, budget constraints and logistical challenges raised doubts about the pool’s viability, leading some community members to call for the plan’s termination. Others argued that an open‑water swimming venue would provide a unique recreational asset for the borough and attract visitors to the waterfront.
By opening the decision‑making process to the public, Lachine hopes to clarify the level of local demand and identify any modifications needed to move forward. The consultation will be held at the municipal building on Rue Saint‑Jacques and will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. A summary of the discussion and any recommendations will be posted on the city’s website within two weeks of the event.
The outcome of this consultation will determine whether the Lac Saint‑Louis pool becomes a new community landmark or is shelved indefinitely, ending a months‑long debate over its future.