$93M recreation centre gets the greenlight in Kitchener
Councillors in Kitchener have given the go-ahead for a new $93 million recreation and aquatics centre in the city's Huron South neighbourhood.
It will be built at RBJ Schlegel Park, and be a big addition to one of the city's fastest-growing communities.
"As this city has grown exponentially, we need facilities like this," said Councillor Christine Michaud at Monday's meeting. "Yes, this is a lot more dollars than we anticipated spending, but I don't think holding it off any longer will serve anyone well."
The $93 million cost is more than double the original $39 million estimate.
City staff said rising construction costs and design changes are both factors in the increase.
Most council members pointed out that development charges – and not additional taxes -- will help offset the cost, nothing that it will be huge benefit to the community.
"The cost of this facility, although the costs have escalated, is being borne largely by the developers, not the tax base," said Councillor Scott Davey. "I think that's a really key factor that needs to be communicated clearly. The other thing I wanted to point out is, yes, it has escalated, but this area of the city is long, long, long overdue for its fair share of recreation amenities."
"I also want to talk about this development in terms of economic development for our city," said Councillor Margaret Johnston. "We talk about the opportunity to bring sports events here, the opportunity to host different things."
The city has secured $17 million in grant money for the project and another grant application is also under review.
The facility will also include new indoor turf space.
The next step will be the detailed design work, with construction expected to happen in 2024 and 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canada's longstanding blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma was harmful and discriminatory, Canadian Blood Services acknowledged on Friday, in issuing an apology to the LGBTQ2S+ community.