Beaconsfield seeks financial aid for waterfront revitalization project

The project aims for a complete makeover and expansion of Beaconsfield’s waterfront area, including a new multipurpose centre with a library, as well as improvements to green space. Parking areas would also be relocated along Beaconsfield Blvd.

Although no official price tag has yet been assigned to the project, Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle said the city will require financial assistance to make it happen.

“The intent here is to bring the net costs to the city as low as possible,” Bourelle said.

“We certainly do not want the city paying a high cost for this project. It’s a worthwhile project, a beautiful project. I think it will end up being a signature project for Beaconsfield. It’s the last big project Beaconsfield will get into since the Rec. Centre (was built in the 1970s), basically.

“But we have to keep in mind the taxpayers capacity to pay.”

The city said an architectural contest will be held in spring 2021, once the financial support from government and private donors is secured. The call for tenders will then determine the final budget for this project.

“Private donations would come once we have in place government supports and grants or subsidies,” Bourelle said. “Then we’ll be at the stage to be able to determine a cost estimate.”

Bourelle said the city plans to substantially reduce the municipal financial contribution by obtaining government grants and subsidies for two-thirds of the costs. The city’s share will be further reduced by raising funds from private donors.

The city will submit financial aid requests to the Green Municipal Fund of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund of Heritage Canada, the Capital Assistance Program of the Ministry of Culture and Communications and the ÉcoPerformance Program of Transition énergétique Québec.

If the necessary financing is secured, the project could be realized by 2022 or 2023, Bourelle said.