After almost a decade in the planning, the RM of Ritchot’s goal to build a major park in Île-des-Chênes has been put on indefinite hold.
The new Legacy Park was to be built on a large parcel of vacant real estate currently owned by TC Energy. The land in the northeast corner of the community would have connected the existing Optimist and D’Auteuil Parks.
Based on prior dealings with TC Energy, the RM was hopeful that a deal could be worked out to lease the land. The plan looked so promising, in fact, that a Legacy Park planning committee was formed and a public open house held in February 2022.
Prior to that meeting, Scott Rosin, a registered landscape architect from SiteworkLA, was hired to research the project and develop a conceptual design.
This month, the RM released a statement on the project.
“Our plan was to use this land to develop a much-needed park space in the community,” the RM says. “Unfortunately, and to our disappointment, TC Energy has stated that they are unable to donate this parcel of land at this time but will work with the municipality to identify other areas they may be able to support the community.”
For both council and the Legacy Park committee, the recent development is very disappointing.
“While this is not the answer we had hoped to receive, we will stay in contact with TC Energy should the situation change in the future and remain focused on providing more park space in Île-des-Chênes,” says Councillor Shane Pelletier, who lives in IDC and represents the town on council.
The Citizen reached out to TC Energy and did not receive a response prior to the writing of this article.
However, TC Energy did provide some assurance, through the RM, that they would continue to be a good neighbour. They also sought to remind residents that have invested more than $50,000 in Ritchot projects over the years.
The Legacy Park project, if developed based on the original design, would have provided residents with some unique recreation options. Proposed features included a toboggan hill, outdoor fitness equipment, a public art space, washroom facilities, a skatepark, and an all-ages playground.
There were also ambitious plans for a sheltered area with a pond, gardens, and an amphitheatre. Two large sports fields would have provided ample room for sporting events such as soccer and ultimate frisbee.
Walking paths would have wound throughout the entire park. An extensive mountain bike course was being considered for the north end.
With the project now seemingly dead, the RM says that their recreation director will continue to work together with TC Energy in the hopes of finding alternative solutions.
