Funding not approved for multi-use rec centre in Ingersoll

Rendering of multi-use rec centre. (Youtube/TownofIngersoll)

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.

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.

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.

According to the office of the Ministry of Sport, applications are evaluated based on the program’s established criteria, which included the urgency of local needs, the project’s effectiveness in addressing service gaps, the organization’s ability to sustain the initiative, and the potential to create meaningful, long-term benefits for the local community.

A spokesperson told CTV News that unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to consult with their local Regional Development Advisor to discuss opportunities to improve their application for future funding rounds.