The Village on the Canal Association (VOCA) brought smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of water fun to St. Peter’s on August 2 with the official opening of the community’s brand-new splashpad.

The celebration marked the end of a massive community effort — one that Richmond Municipal Councillor Amanda Mombourquette, a former VOCA chair, described as a “giant infrastructure project” made possible by generosity, teamwork, and determination.

The St. Peter’s Lions Club played a pivotal role, donating both land and funds to help bring the project to life. The St. Peter’s Village Commission and the St. s-Sampsonville and Area Water Utility will now take over ownership and ensure the splashpad stays in top shape for years to come.

The day was also filled with heartfelt moments. A sign at the splashpad was unveiled in memory of the late Eva Landry, a dedicated former VOCA chair who worked tirelessly for the children and families of St. Peter’s. Her husband, Doug, received a smaller version of the sign to take home as a keepsake.

VOCA’s Jennifer McNamara expressed gratitude to every resident, business, and organization that pitched in — whether through donations, materials, or time.

“Your support demonstrates the strength of our community,” she said. “We created something truly special that will bring joy to our community for many years to come.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, with excited local children at the forefront, marked more than just the launch of a new water feature — it celebrated a space built for laughter, family gatherings, and lasting memories.

On that sunny afternoon, St. Peter’s didn’t just open a splashpad… it opened the door to a summer tradition for generations to come.