The problems listed in the paddocks of the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit worry the official opposition, while major investments are still planned for the coming years.
• Read also: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve: the brand new paddocks take on water
“Formula 1 is an important event for the City, for Quebec and Canada, but in this management context, citizens must get their money’s worth,” said opposition spokesperson Alain DeSousa. in finance, during a telephone interview.
For him, this is currently not the case, while the money is being spent, without Montrealers having “reaped the benefits”.
As a reminder, the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada, which takes place in Montreal every summer, has seen its last two editions canceled due to the pandemic.
Our Bureau of Investigation revealed Tuesday morning that the paddocks of the Formula 1 circuit, built in 2019 at a cost of $60 million, have water infiltration problems. The pit lane asphalt, which dated from the same year, was also resurfaced although the circuit has not hosted a race since.
Investments that will continue, while the City’s three-year capital expenditure program (PDI) plans to inject $226.8 million into Parc Jean-Drapeau by 2031
“There are quite significant amounts that are planned. It worries me. What measures will be put in place to ensure tight control of expenses and prevent us from having projects that are carried out with problems, ”asked Mr. DeSousa.
During question period during the municipal council on Tuesday, Caroline Bourgeois explained that the case is currently in court, limiting the possibility of commenting on it.
“This information is worrying and is being treated with all the necessary seriousness,” she stressed, however.
According to his explanations, the municipal administration wishes to give a “multifunctional” vocation to the paddocks so that they can be used by several groups.
“It’s difficult for it to be used for other purposes, but that’s really what we’re going to work on, because it also corresponds to the vision we have for Parc Jean-Drapeau,” he said. she adds.
She believes that the investments planned for the PDI are necessary in order to bring out “the full potential” of the park and that Montrealers can take ownership of it.
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