Chateauguay undertakes to spend $1.2 million on Quebec Games

The City of Chateauguay promises to devote $1.2 million to the Quebec Summer Games  in 2022 if it obtains the event. This commitment will figure in its candidature application to be submitted between now and the end of the month. Michel Thibault Translation Dan Rosenburg [caption id="attachment_68784" align="alignnone" width="170"] Marcel Deschamps (Photo Andrew Clark)[/caption] ’’This amount of $1.2 million, will we see it again one day or is it finished, it’s gone?’’ asked councillor Marcel Deschamps at the municipal council assembly of October 21. At each of his recent public appearances, Mayor Pierre-Paul Routhier has expressed how much he wants this great provincial sports event to be held in Chateauguay. He reiterated his message in these words : ‘’Perhaps we will not see that money again. Maybe we will once again see the pride of the people. Perhaps we will see the effect that this can have on the businesses and industries of Chateauguay, and on Chateauguay manpower. To receive the money as such, I don’t believe so. But I find that we are buying something in terms of pride that is really worth the trouble.” [caption id="attachment_68789" align="alignright" width="170"] Pierre-Paul Routhier.[/caption] The Mayor also emphasized a bringing together with Kahnawake and Mercier, which are collaborating in the reception of the Games. ‘’Pride has a high price,’’ Deschamps noted. If Chateauguay is chosen, it will reserve $400,000 a year for three years in its budget. ‘’If Chateauguay is not selected, I am going to cry,’’ Routhier retorted. At a breakfast with businesspeople earlier this month, the Mayor said that the Quebec Games have a scope comparable to the Olympic Games. $5 million The host city of the Quebec Games will receive a grant of $5 million for its infrastructures, reminded councillor Eric Allard. It will also have the right to financial aid in the amount of $300,000 from Sport Quebec. [caption id="attachment_66745" align="alignnone" width="170"] Le conseiller Éric Allard. (Photo: Andrew Clark)[/caption] Mobilization The City freed up $300 000 to prepare its candidacy and mobilize the region to support it. Among other things, it has created the website www.chateauguay2022.com with the goal of rallying the population, beginning with recruiting volunteers, showing its vision of the Games and developing some partners. Verdict Besides Chateauguay, Drummondville and Rimouski are in the race. The verdict will be announced between now and January.