Residents seek vote on Benny Park sports complex

NDG residents opposed to plans for a new sports and community complex are being asked to sign a register which would force a referendum on the issue.

The Cte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grce borough wants to build an $18-million dollar complex in Benny Park to replace an open-air pool. The facilities would include a 25-metre indoor pool, an outdoor deck, a gymnasium and a green, plant-covered roof.

The development would eat up municipal park land in the citys west end neighbourhood, a loss of green space that has concerned some residents.

The projects original site was a vacant parcel of land on the Benny Farm housing development. During public consultations held earlier this year, a majority of residents supported the project. But the development has since been moved to nearby Benny Park, where an outdoor pool already exists.

At least 139 people who live in the immediate area have to sign the referendum register in order for the borough to hold a vote on the project.

The referendum result would be binding.

Eligible residents can sign the register at the NDG borough hall at 5160 Dcarie Street, until 7 p.m. E.T.