Complexe Sportif Forage FTE Permanent Closure Announced for Sports Courts Section

ROCK FOREST, JULY 22, 2026 – Local athletes in the Rock Forest area will soon need to find a new spot for pickleball, volleyball, and racquetball. The City of Sherbrooke has officially confirmed that the section housing these sports courts at the Complexe sportif Forage FTE will close permanently in September 2026, with plans already set in motion for its eventual demolition.

The decision follows extensive technical evaluations revealing advanced deterioration in that area of the facility.

Key Issues Identified

According to city officials, bringing the aging sports zone up to code proved both financially and structurally impractical. The engineering reports highlighted several major issues:

• Severe Building Envelope Breakdown: Structural integrity has been compromised over time.

• Recurring Water Leaks: Persistent water infiltration accelerated the building’s decay.

• Roof Structure Weaknesses: The roof displays significant structural vulnerabilities.

• Safety & Code Non-Compliance: The space fails to meet current fire safety standards and building codes.

The city noted that structural limitations—such as load-bearing capacity and support columns—made renovating the space into a modern, functional sports area far too complex and costly for the limited benefits it would yield.

As a result, City Council approved the permanent shutdown and authorized the Materials Management Department to move forward with planning the demolition. A detailed timeline for the tear-down will be released at a later date.

What Users Need to Know

Member Notifications: Gestion Loisir Plus, the organization that manages operations at Complexe sportif Forage FTE, will reach out directly to impacted members to provide further details regarding the closure.

Status of Other Facility Areas

While the pickleball, volleyball, and racquetball section is slated for removal, other parts of the complex remain active:

• Indoor Tennis: Currently closed for major upgrades, including roof and exterior renovations, improved ventilation, energy efficiency gains, and new lighting designed to meet international tournament standards.

• Outdoor Tennis: Open and fully operational for the summer season.

• Arena Section: Remains completely open and accessible to the public.

Source: City of Sherbrooke