Tecumseh Council has approved a new $54 million sportsplex.
Councillors unanimously voted to add a double gym and soccer pitch to the twin ice pads of Tecumseh Arena behind town hall.
The Tecumseh Pickleball Association, the Tecumseh Saints Basketball Club, the Tecumseh Minor Baseball Association, and soccer groups all pushed for the gym and more turf because they need more space for programs and working out.
The town is on the hook for about $12 million of the total cost. It will now apply for federal funding and begin fundraising but will return to the drawing board if the funding is not approved.
Mayor Gary McNamara said the new sportsplex will help generate economic growth in Tecumseh.
"I have always said if you want to make money, you got to spend money. With the hotel that's coming to Manning Road and other facilities that are coming as well to help support that, it's about growth," said McNamara.
Design for new Tecumseh sportsplex. June 24, 2019. (Blueprint courtesy of Tecumseh)
Bachetti said the sportsplex will complement and enhance the region.
"Our neighbouring community Lakeshore, The Atlas Tube Centre there, they have a pool and so does the WFCU Centre. So, we're not really duplicating those facilities, we're enhancing by providing, for example, the FIFA sized soccer field," Bachetti added.
Mayor Gary McNamara said the new project will help keep residents healthier.
"That's something that builds good, strong communities are these facilities. Yes, it's a lot of money, there is no question. Is there going to be a cost to taxpayers? Yep, there will be," McNamara said.
The new project is expected to add 1.43 per cent to property tax bills.
Construction should begin this fall.
The new sportsplex was nearly five years in the making.
The Tecumseh Minor Baseball Association is losing the south diamond to make room for the project but the Hebert Ball Field at McAuliffe Park will be replaced.
The proposed Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare cardio rehab centre at the new sportsplex will be paid for by the hospital and is not included in the overall cost.
Negotiations will now proceed with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare and more details will return to council at a later date.