Ensemble Montréal promises to renovate Verdun Natatorium, restore free parking at Centre Claude-Robillard
Posted October 30, 2025 12:35 pm.
Last Updated October 30, 2025 5:14 pm.
Mayoral candidate Soraya Martinez Ferrada made promises to improve access to two sports facilities in the city if elected mayor on Sunday.
The Ensemble Montréal leader says her party would restore free parking at Centre Claude-Robillard in Ahuntsic.
The move would reduce the number of visitors parked on the surrounding residential streets, Martinez Ferrada says.
In September 2024, the City of Montreal entrusted the management of the 324 parking spaces – previously free – to the Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal. Some free spaces – for parking under two hours – were restored the following month.
“Charging people to access the city’s sports facilities is particularly characteristic of the Plante-Rabouin administration,” Martinez Ferrada said.
Ensemble Montréal is also promising to renovate the Verdun Natatorium by investing $40 million. Martinez Ferrada committed to beginning work on that project in the next four years.
She also vowed to ensure immediate maintenance of the facility’s assets, including the resumption of heating and minimal structural maintenance.
The art deco building has been closed since 2017 because of various structural issues. Assessments done between 2018 and 2023 have shown significant weakening of the building.
Talks of demolishing the 86-year-old building drew concerns from residents and from Heritage Montreal, which successfully fought to save it.
“Restoring free parking at the Claude-Robillard Complex and renovating the Verdun Natatorium is a matter of fairness towards citizens of all neighbourhoods, whether they are families or athletes,” said the Ensemble Montréal leader.
