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A baseball diamond at Jarry Park with IGA Stadium in the background. While Tennis Canada promises to build a new baseball field nearby to replace one that would be supplanted by a new stadium, there are concerns that won\u2019t materialize. Evan Buhler \/ Montreal Gazette<\/p>\n
Contacted for this article, Tennis Canada said it understands the project raises questions within the community and noted that\u2019s why it opted to share its plans early in the process.<\/p>\n
The organization pushed back against the notion the new stadium would expand its footprint in the park but, at the same time, said it\u2019s too early to know how much park space it would ultimately occupy.<\/p>\n
The project\u2019s objective is not only to secure the tournament\u2019s future, it said, but also to build facilities that serve the community and are \u201cthoughtfully integrated\u201d into the park.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe these goals can, and should, be achieved together,\u201d it added. <\/p>\n
Tennis Canada says that, over the long term, the existing stadium would be demolished in order to free up space in the park for public use.<\/p>\n
The opposing views on the project have led to calls for the City of Montreal to clarify its vision for Jarry Park in the coming years.<\/p>\n
In a statement to The Gazette, Christine Black, the executive committee member responsible for families, sports and recreation, said the city is speaking with Tennis Canada and other stakeholders about how to best develop the park.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to preserve its public and accessible nature while ensuring the long-term future of the National Bank Open, an event that contributes to our city\u2019s sporting reputation and inspires the next generation,\u201d Black wrote.<\/p>\n
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Lafleur said he would like to see the city take a stronger position on the issue. He argues the city should prioritize residents\u2019 needs and stop the organization from \u201ceating away\u201d at park space.<\/p>\n
Others echoed that sentiment at Tuesday evening\u2019s Villeray\u2014St-Michel\u2014Parc-Extension borough council meeting, urging council members to show leadership and oppose the project before it advances to the next stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s up to Tennis Canada to find ways to do this within the space they have, or to find other industrial land to use\u200a,\u201d said resident Marc Langlois. \u201cBut it can\u2019t be done in a park.\u201d<\/p>\n