11 hours ago
Funding not approved for multi-use rec centre in Ingersoll
Ingersoll's long-awaited multi-use recreation centre has hit a roadblock after the town failed to get provincial funding.
The $38 million project has been in the works since 2019.
The town recently asked the Ministry of Sport for a $10 million boost, through its Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, but their application was not approved.
'It's extremely disappointing and sad that the province failed to see what this funding and project means to our community and our partners,' Mayor Brian Petrie said in a media release.
The funding, he explained, would have had a significant impact on advancing local, regional and provincial goals.
'While the town acknowledges that many projects were submitted for funding, it is difficult to
understand how such a comprehensive and broadly beneficial initiative did not meet the criteria for support,' the release said.
ingersoll mult-use rec centre
Rendering of multi-use rec centre. (Youtube/TownofIngersoll)
Project details
The state-of-the-art facility will be built on the newly-secured 78 acres of land on the southeast edge of the town, near Clarke Road and Harris Street. The acquisition also included a generous donation from Grobrook Farms in 2023.
'Site preparation begins this year, including water, wastewater and utilities,' Michael Graves, Ingersoll's CAO, said in a YouTube video posted to the town's website earlier this year.
ingersoll mult-use rec centre
Aerial view of the land where the project is set to be built on. (Youtube/TownofIngersoll)
The plan for the rec complex included a walking track, gymnasium, single pad arena with an option to double it, multi-purpose hall and community rooms. It was supposed to be completed by spring 2027.
The town said it is reviewing how the denial of funds will impact the project's timeline.
'I invite every resident to join me in sharing their disappointment with the province by contacting them and sharing what this decision means for our community,' Petrie said.
The town, meanwhile, is committed to advocating for the project and said the facility is needed.
Ingersoll is hoping provincial representatives can explore alternative funding sources to maximize
the property's potential impact for the community, region and province.
