Heather Wright/The Independent

St. Clair Township wants to build a $20 million addition to the Moore Sport Complex.
And council is hoping the province will step up with at least half the project’s cost with its new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

The province recently announced the $200 million initiative to repair old arenas across the province. Part of the fund will go to repair existing buildings.

Director of Community Services Kendall Lindsay says the pool at the sports complex needs about $2 million in repair work. Council agreed to submit a grant request for the project which would restore the pool tank and extend its life, replace outdated HVAC equipment in the pool area, to better manage humidity and temperature and bring the pool area up to current health and safety regulations and make it accessible to all.

Lindsay, in a report to council, says it will not only save operational costs and extend the life of the pool, it will “enhance the overall user experience.”

But the bigger spend will be on an expansion of the complex. It would add a water therapy pool, expand the existing pool deck and construct fully accessible change rooms. Lindsay says the addition would also include a new fitness area to offer group fitness classes, personal training sessions and wellness workshops.

The vision also includes a new outdoor courtyard for community gatherings and additional office space, according to Lindsay. The estimated price tag: $20 million.

“The fully accessible change rooms will ensure that all community members, regardless of ability, can enjoy the pool and fitness facilities.

This inclusivity will foster a sense of belonging and encourage more people to engage with the complex,” says Lindsay in his report.

“With expanded services and improved amenities, we anticipate a significant increase in facility usage…enhanced offerings will attract new members and retain existing ones, boosting overall participation in programs,” he added.

The expansion would create job opportunities during the construction and Lindsay said will also increase staffing needs in the facilities.

The grant requests have to be submitted to the province by Oct. 28, and Lindsay was looking for council’s approval Monday saying he needed “a commitment of $10 million from the township.”

CAO John Rodey encouraged council to allow the two grant proposals to move forward.
“It could be another four or five years before it comes around again, so I don’t think it’s something that we want to not take a chance at,” he said.

Council readily agreed with little debate.

“Whenever we can get outside resources and funding to improve our community, I think we should do that,” says Councillor Cathy Langis.

In 2022, the municipality underwent a massive project at the complex, replacing the outdated ammonia cooling system and adding a second ice pad and renovating another. At the time, there was some talk of an aquatics upgrade and adding a new gym to the complex as well, however no formal plans have come to council.