Tri-Township arena in Mount Brydges and West Middlesex Memorial Centre in Strathroy could become the casualties of the process as potential big recreational facility changes could be happening over the next 5 years.
Strathroy-Caradoc published a news release Thursday stating that Council will be considering a Recreation Facility Infrastructure Renewal Strategy proposed by Consultant Nustadia Recreation moving potentially towards two community recreation hubs. The Municipality says these hubs respond to public and user group feedback, community census data, industry trends, and facility condition assessments.
The report proposes new hubs in both Strathroy and Mount Brydges. For Strathroy, a 3rd ice pad at Gemini Sportsplex, and a twin gymnasium with elevated indoor walking track in addition to an artificial turf and lighted soccer field all at the Gemini.
In Mount Brydges, the proposed hub would focus around the Caradoc Community Centre, adding a year round indoor playing field and field house, programming spaces, and a refrigerated ice skating pad for the Winter months and doubling as a multi-use court space in the Summer, all under a covered community pavilion.
According to the release, Nustadia recommends that Tri-Township Arena and West Middlesex Memorial Centre be decommissioned rather than undertaking a significant capital investment required by both facilities.
The draft report will be reviewed at a Special Council Meeting on May 12th at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden says “Adopting an Infrastructure Renewal Strategy will help us respond to that demand that in a fiscally responsible way and position us to partner with other levels of government for funding. The report makes it clear that the community is asking for diversity and consolidation in our recreation offerings.”
Chief Administrative Officer Fred Tranquilli says “There’s clear public demand for investment in municipal recreation facilities and programs beyond the traditional ice hockey and figure skating offerings. This comprehensive recreation facility strategy considers the municipality as a whole and addresses our changing demographics and user participation needs.”
Eventhough if this was to go through, the Municipality would be going from 4 ice pads down to 3, the Municipality says the addition of an ice pad at Gemini would allow for the three pad facility to be able to host tournaments and to support the community’s hockey and skating needs.
Both community hub proposals support ongoing plans for the expansion of seniors’ programming throughout the municipality.
Staff have recommended a sub-committee of five Council members be appointed to investigate the recommendations proposed in the study.
The adoption of the final Recreation Facility Infrastructure Renewal Strategy is expected by June 21, 2021.