New rules in Longueuil threaten decades-old women’s softball league

Players who have been part of the league for decades are now facing extra fees because they live in different cities.

Members of a decades-old women’s softball league in Greenfield Park say a new policy with the City of Longueuil could spell the end for their teams.

Many of the players aren’t residents of Longueuil, and they’re being told they’ll have to pay an extra $100 if they want to play ball.

Melanie Bedard lives for Wednesday nights in the summer when she gets to come to Empire Park to play in the Greenfield Park ladies softball league.

“I’ve been a part of this league for approximately 45 years. Started when I was 16 years old,” she said.

Made up of four teams, it’s entirely volunteer-run.

“It’s that night out of the week where they get to leave the children behind and come out. Sometimes it’s really a mental health thing. They need that activity,” said Bedard.

The league is made up women of all ages and all skill levels.

Stacie Davies says several generations of her family play ball, and she hopes one day her daughter will too.

“We get to cheer each other on and teach each other, and nobody feels judged,” she said.

But the women say a new policy with the city of Longueuil is putting their league at risk.

Members already pay a $100 league fee to rent the field for 12 games and pay an umpire.

Many of their members no longer live in Longueuil and are now being told they need to purchase an access card for an extra $100 if they want to play.

Anne Hegarty says $200 is a lot of money for volunteers.

“It’s not like we’re in a league where we’re going to win the World Series or something. It’s just a fun league where you just enjoy yourself and laugh and have a good time,” she said.

The players say many simply can’t afford the extra cost, but without them there won’t be enough women to fill all four teams.

A Greenfield Park borough councillor told CTV News the new policy extends to all volunteer-run activities using city space.

That covers everything from seniors’ social groups to square dancing clubs.

The league has appealed to the city for a solution but says so far, nothing has changed.

“We were supposed to start yesterday, and it’s been day by day trying to figure out another way to play. And right now, it doesn’t look good,” said Davies.

The city of Longueuil says it is “aware of the concerns expressed by certain organizations and citizen groups in the area” and is “currently assessing the situation.”

It stresses the policy was adopted to better support local organizations in sports, culture and community life.

Some changes should be presented at the next borough council meeting on June 2.

In the meantime, the league hopes they’ll have a full roster hitting the field soon enough.