LaSalle to consult residents on Vollmer Complex expansion

Vollmer Centre (File image)

LaSalle is moving forward with public consultations on a potential expansion of the Vollmer Complex.

At a meeting Tuesday night, town council approved plans to seek community feedback on the expansion.

A proposed expansion is expected to include a gymnasium, more staff office spaces, an expanded fitness gym, and a dedicated aerobics room.

Previous reports to council have detailed the high-usage rates at the centre, which features two ice rinks, a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

“With the forecasted growth in the Town of LaSalle and with all of our daycares and swim lessons, we’re at full capacity, so it only makes sense to go forward with this consultation,” said Coun. Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo.

Staff said consultation is expected to occur in June.

A $250,000 price tag attached to public consultations will cover updated drawings, architectural fees, geotechnical designs, and other plans needed to move forward.

However, Tuesday’s approval does not mean the construction of the expansion will move forward.

Following consultations, a staff report will likely come during the next term of council for officials to decide whether the project moves forward.

Crystal Meloche, the town’s mayor, said the consultation phase could help position the town to take advantage of provincial funding.

In 2025, the town’s application to a provincial sport and recreation infrastructure fund was rejected.

“They told us to be successful in the grants, you need to have shovel-ready projects, and we didn’t,” Meloche said.

Since the provincial government announced more money for the fund, Meloche said they’re hopeful added work on the file will make their next application successful.

Built in 2008, the construction of the Vollmer Complex did not receive funding from upper levels of government, Meloche said.

“It would be great if we could get some assistance to be able to expand this facility, to be able to grow with the province’s request, you know, more houses, more people. Well, more people need more facilities, and they want recreation, and they want day camps, and those are things that we’re at the point now where we don’t have any room for them,” she said.

Coun. Mike Seguin raised concerns about how the project could eventually impact the municipality’s financial standing.

A high-level estimate pinned the cost of construction between $33 to $40 million.

“‘I’m concerned for the next steps, particularly the operational costs, in other words, that we’re going to find out about,” he said, pointing to staffing, debt and operational costs.

However, Meloche said approval for the overall build is not needed before the grant’s application.

“We’re going to go to the community and see if they agree with the plan that we’re putting forward, because we want to make sure we’re all on the same page and that we’re bringing facilities that they’re asking for,” she said.