More than 720 people have signed a petition to prevent the permanent closure of the saunas at the Olympic Park Sports Center in Montreal on December 31. Despite this mobilization, those responsible for these facilities maintain that no reopening is planned.
The sports complex located in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve indicated on December 6 that it was dismantling the saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, due to the “considerable costs” that would be necessary to repair them, bring them up to standard and preventive maintenance. Joined by The dutythe Center claims that these renovations would cost “more than $200,000,” according to recent analyses.
The instigator of the petition, Zacharie Lévesque Gauthier, points out that these spaces are appreciated both for their benefits regarding muscle recovery, but also for their contribution to general well-being. He deplores the fact that the approximately 4,100 subscribers to these sports facilities were “absolutely not consulted regarding this decision”.
Especially since before learning of the closure of the saunas, members were waiting for the one in the men’s locker room to reopen, continues the daily user of this complex. It had been inaccessible since February 2023, due to an outbreak of fire caused by essential oils spilled on the heating elements.
The repair of this part was first considered, then ruled out due to the costs which rose “beyond the forecasts” of the Olympic Park, explains its public relations advisor, Cédric Essiminy.
The sauna in the women’s locker room, which was not affected by the incident, will remain functional until December 31, when it will be dismantled. The renovations to bring it up to standard would have been “too expensive”, maintains Mr. Essiminy.
The latter mentions that the space reserved for male and female saunas “no longer meets ventilation standards and water drainage is inadequate”. Their rehabilitation therefore requires a complete reconstruction, in addition to their annual maintenance which “requires a considerable and recurring investment, for equipment which is not our main offer”.
Uncrowded saunas?
The sports center, which does not intend to reverse its decision, nevertheless says it is aware of the fact that it may cause disappointment among subscribers. He maintains, however, that only a fraction of them used this type of installation. “According to comments from our members to our employees, as well as messages received, less than 10% of our members are regular sauna users,” argues Cédric Essiminy.
An assertion that Zacharie Lévesque Gauthier questions. “For the saunas, there is no card reader or control at the entrance,” emphasizes the 44-year-old man. He urges the sports complex to provide precise figures about the attendance of these spaces.
According to Mr. Lévesque Gauthier, many subscribers speak more of a “significant loss” for them. He also created a Facebook group to try to inform members of the petition launched shortly after the announcement of the dismantling of the saunas at the end of the month.
For his part, Councilor Cédric Essiminy maintains, however, that only “half of the signatories are indeed subscribed to the Sports Center, which is equivalent to 8% of the members”.
Zacharie Lévesque Gauthier counters that more people would have supported the petition if he had had more time to circulate it before the official closing in three days. “In addition, if we are in the holiday period, there is sure to be a slowdown at the moment. »
As for the future of the sports center, Mr. Essiminy emphasizes that the team is focusing its efforts on improving the layout of the complex, as well as adding equipment to the training room. The lane swimming offering — which is “the largest in Quebec” — will also be improved, as will the programming of group classes, he specifies.