News
New Sports Center in Montréal-Nord
Jean Giguère
Author :
WikiResidence
Source :
12/11/25
After more than a decade of fierce advocacy, the Borough of Montréal-Nord has secured a major contribution from the federal government for the construction of its new sports complex.
This investment of $39.8 million (part of a new federal commitment of $50 billion for infrastructure) will bring the project to life on the site of the former Garon Arena, with an opening anticipated around 2028.
The complex, featuring both aquatic and sports facilities, is crucial for a population severely underserved by modern sports infrastructure.
It aims to fill a "glaring gap" and generate significant social and economic impacts in a neighbourhood that produced talents like basketball player Joel Anthony and Olympic athlete Claude Ferragne.
Montréal-Nord’s urgent plea for a new sports complex has finally been heard, backed by a significant investment announced in the federal budget.
The Borough, home to over 90,000 residents, has been fighting for more than ten years for this essential project, viewed as vital for well-being and equity.
A Crucial Federal Investment
The federal government announced an envelope of $39.8 million to support the new sports complex project.
This commitment is part of a new federal fund for the development of provincial and community infrastructure.
This funding complements the contribution already announced by the City of Montréal, which amounts to approximately $88 million (primarily for the aquatic component).
The future complex, set to be built on the site of the former Garon Arena (a strategic location already owned by the City), is expected to include:
Two aquatic basins (pools)
A double gymnasium
A gymnastics training room (Palestre)
A fitness room
A three-lane indoor walking track
A multipurpose room
300-seat bleachers
The opening is anticipated in 2028, which will significantly transform the local sports landscape.
The Context: An Underserved Borough
The need for such a facility is immediate. Montréal-Nord Mayor Christine Black has repeatedly highlighted the severe lack of infrastructure for a borough of this size.
Glaring Absence: Montréal-Nord has no public gymnasium (outside of school facilities, which are often restricted) and no indoor municipal pool to serve its approximately 95,000 residents.
Limited Alternatives: The population often has to rely on evening or weekend hours, or travel to limited facilities in neighbouring boroughs.
Existing Sports Facility (Noted) | Address (Approximate) | Service Type | Note on Attendance and Impact |
Former Garon Arena | 11800, rue Garon (Future site) | Closed (will be demolished) | N/A - This is the location for the new project. |
Rolland Arena | 11400, avenue Rolland | Ice Rink | High attendance for ice sports and a social impact during the winter season. |
Parks and Outdoor Fields | Various addresses (e.g., Parc Aimé-Léonard) | Soccer fields, baseball, splash pads (seasonal) | Very high attendance in summer. The Borough has one of the lowest park indexes in Montréal, increasing density issues. |
School Facilities | Cégeps/Schools | Gymnasiums, sports floors | Usage is often restricted to late evening or weekend hours, with long waiting lists for sports clubs. |
A Nursery for Local Talent
The impact of this new complex is expected to extend far beyond mere sports practice.
It is essential for providing opportunities to local talents, following in the footsteps of those who came before them.
Sporting Inspiration: Montréal-Nord has produced international-calibre athletes. Former NBA player Joel Anthony and 1976 Olympic high jumper Claude Ferragne hail from the area and had to develop their skills under difficult circumstances.
Today, NBA player Luguentz Dort, who grew up in Montréal-Nord, is often cited as an example of the future successes that the complex will help foster.
Health and Social Cohesion: Public figures like former Olympic athlete Farah Jacques and former Alouettes player Étienne Boulay have also supported the project, emphasizing the facility's role in strengthening community bonds and offering a sense of belonging for all age groups.
Economic Benefits: The construction and future operation of the complex will generate local jobs and reduce costs for families who previously had to travel to other boroughs to access quality facilities.
In short, this historic federal investment is the culmination of a long-standing community struggle for infrastructure equity.
It is a promise of a better quality of life and a more active future for the people of Montréal-Nord, ensuring the next generation of champions can train right at home.