Grant fuels major improvements at Chapeau RA grounds
Peter L. Smith
Local Journalism Initiative
Published on www.pontiacjournal.com on June 18, 2025.
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – The Chapeau Recreation Association (RA) has received a $100,000 grant to support upgrades to its ball field, install new drainage infrastructure,
and build a pavilion at the RA grounds. The funding was awarded last year through the Revitalization Agreement between the MRC Pontiac and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR). The Municipality of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes also contributed additional funds.
The work will be carried out in three phases and is being supplemented by the association’s online fundraising. The first phase includes the construction of a 30-by-40-foot shade pavilion by local contractor Frank Michaud Construction. The structure, similar to the one built in Chichester, will be located between the swings and the splashpad.
Next, drainage systems will be installed in the soccer field and behind the baseball field, following engineered plans. Work is expected to begin this month. Drainage behind the ball field will be completed after this season’s games and the Robert Chartrand Memorial Tournament in late fall.
The final phase will focus on replacing netting, upgrading the back fence, and improving the field lighting. Fleury Electric of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes has already begun wiring for the new lights and is donating its time to the project.
The RA thanked the adult ball league and players for consistently supporting fundraising efforts and volunteering their time. Special appreciation was expressed to Daniel Godin, Mike Fleury, Joey Sullivan and Owen Sullivan for their help with upgrades.
“This grant application started over three years ago,” said RA spokesperson Karie Bissonnette. “We’ve all been working hard to see this project through. We appreciate
your patience, your contributions, and the involvement of those in the community who have lent a hand, advice, and time. It will be very rewarding to see this completed.
It takes a village to accomplish something like this, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
More updates will be shared as the work progresses. Visitors to the RA grounds are asked to be cautious, as construction will begin soon.
Photo – Joey Fleury of Fleury Electric donates his time to upgrade wiring at the Chapeau Recreation Ballfield in preparation for new lights to be installed in the coming months.
This marks the start of many improvements to come. (PS)
