Residents of the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough are asking the City of Montreal and Tennis Canada to reconsider the proposed redevelopment of Jarry Park. The community group says the plans do not reflect the needs of local families and youth sports programs, including nearby baseball teams that rely on the park’s fields.
The city and Tennis Canada have announced a revamp of the park that would involve new facilities, but the details have not been shared with the neighbourhood. Residents argue that the changes could limit access for existing users and shift the park’s focus away from community recreation toward larger, possibly commercial, uses. Youth baseball players, who practice and hold games in the park, have expressed concern that the redesign could affect the availability of playing fields.
Local advocates are calling for a transparent review process and for the city to engage directly with the community before any work begins. They say a collaborative approach would help ensure that the park continues to serve as a public space for a diverse range of activities, from casual play to organized sports. The request for reconsideration comes as the city moves forward with its broader strategy to upgrade municipal facilities.
City officials have not yet responded to the residents’ appeal, and Tennis Canada has not issued a statement regarding the specific concerns raised. The neighbourhood association plans to hold a meeting to discuss next steps and to seek further input from residents and the youth baseball clubs that use the park regularly.
The debate over Jarry Park’s future highlights the tension between large‑scale development projects and the everyday needs of the communities that surround them, with local voices urging a pause until a consensus can be reached.