By Matthew Daldalian, LJI Reporter
A dispute between the City of Deux-Montagnes and representatives tied to Mountainview School over a stalled playground agreement spilled into a tense public exchange during the town’s May council meeting, as parents accused the municipality of backing away from earlier commitments tied to a school park project.
The disagreement centred on a proposed agreement involving public access to the schoolyard outside school hours, maintenance responsibilities and the installation of new playground equipment.
Parents and school representatives told council they believed the city had previously committed to funding and installing approximately $100,000 worth of playground infrastructure while helping maintain the site. Municipal officials, however, argued the project cannot move forward until a formal agreement is signed.
The debate comes as Deux-Montagnes continues to face pressure tied to population growth, residential development and access to public recreational space.
Parents say commitments changed
Speaking after the meeting, Mountainview Elementary School Home and School parent group President Kimberly Allen said parents became frustrated after what they viewed as changes to a long-running agreement with the city over access to the schoolyard and the installation of new playground equipment.
Allen said the school’s existing playground is more than 30 years old and has become a growing safety concern for families.
“It’s fallen apart. It’s actually dangerous,” Allen said.
According to Allen, discussions with the city originally involved a $100,000 municipal investment toward a new playground project while parents and the school community separately raised funds for additional equipment.
“The city was willing to invest for one structure,” Allen said. “Parents and some measures from the school were able to provide another module.”
Allen said the arrangement initially focused on limiting public access to a portion of the schoolyard while protecting newer school infrastructure installed in recent years, including outdoor classrooms, play areas and ping pong tables.
“From past experience when we have let the public in, we’ve had situations where beer bottles are in the garbage, spray paint, garbages overflowing and it became dangerous,” she said.
Allen said tensions emerged after council members changed and negotiations were revisited.
“They wanted access to the whole school,” Allen said. “They want access to the school on weekends, which we use, we rent out.”
She added that the project is now at a standstill despite playground equipment already being purchased and installation timelines approaching before students return in September.
However, Allen said discussions with Mayor Denis Martin following the meeting left her more optimistic about a possible compromise.
“He’s agreeing to keep the fence, not have access to the school, not cut the grass and continue with the investment of $100,000,” Allen said. “It’s all in the interest of the kids.”
She added that parents remain open to sharing the space with the broader community if protections remain in place for the school property.
Mayor defends city position
Mayor Denis Martin pushed back on accusations that the city abandoned the project, repeatedly stating the municipality remains prepared to invest in the playground if a formal agreement is signed.
“We’re ready to put in a $100,000 module,” Martin said. “Just sign the agreement.”
Martin argued the city does not want to maintain parts of school property that remain inaccessible to the broader public.
“We are not going to maintain a schoolyard where people don’t have access,” he said.
The mayor also said the municipality previously had access to school facilities such as gymnasiums under older agreements.
“Before, we had access to the gyms, but now we don’t,” Martin said.
During the exchange, parents repeatedly challenged the city’s interpretation of the proposed agreement, arguing the original discussions focused specifically on the park area rather than broader access to school facilities.
Maria Stamadianos, who spoke outside the council meeting, said many parents feel frustrated by the prolonged negotiations.
“The grounds are being found in less-than-ideal conditions after a weekend,” Stamadianos said.
Stamadianos urged both sides to finalize an agreement, and hoped it’s seen through.
“We want them to know that, you know, there is an agreement, and we expect them to uphold that agreement and to meet us halfway.” she said.
Noise complaints tied to growth
The council meeting also featured complaints from residents living near major construction projects in Deux-Montagnes.
One resident described persistent noise and vibrations linked to excavation and foundation work near residential properties.
“The noise is at a point where you need earplugs outside your own property,” the resident said in French.
The resident said nearby homes continue to experience constant vibrations from heavy machinery and concrete work.
“We thought the excavation phase was ending, but now there are still concrete trucks and vibrations,” they said.
Mayor Martin acknowledged the difficulty of regulating construction noise once major projects are already underway.
“To impose noise walls after a project has already started is more complicated than you think,” Martin said in French.
However, he said the city may consider stronger requirements for future developments.
Another resident raised concerns about privacy impacts tied to a nearby residential development, saying a four-story building was constructed closer to neighbouring homes than expected.
“All I ask is that developers take into account the privacy of people living around the building,” the resident said.
Other municipal decisions
Council also approved several administrative and planning measures during the meeting.
Municipal officials adopted a bylaw tied to the city’s right of first refusal, allowing Deux-Montagnes to potentially purchase certain properties before outside buyers in specific situations.
The city also awarded an $881,000 professional services contract to WSP Canada for work tied to the redevelopment of streets in the Grand-Moulin sector.
Mayor Martin said the larger infrastructure project could eventually total around $20 million and would focus heavily on stormwater management.
Council additionally approved support for a community barbecue organized with ABL Immigration on May 30 at the police station parking lot.
The event is intended to help welcome newcomers and encourage stronger ties between residents.
“It’s a coming together of communities,” Martin said.
The meeting also included approvals for volleyball tournaments planned later this summer.
