The City of Windsor has reached a tentative agreement with the University of Windsor for community use of the Lancer Centre pool.
“The University of Windsor is pleased to partner with the City of Windsor to create a shared space for recreation users. The new Lancer Centre will be more than a campus addition – it will be a community amenity,” said University of Windsor President Robert Gordon.
If approved by the city council, the pool at Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex would close and a $42-million reconstruction project at the facility would be launched. The renovation could include a new gym, tennis or pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a walking track. Under the current proposal, the ice rink at the facility would remain in place.
“The stars have aligned, and we are keen to make a massive investment at Adie Knox. With the plans for the Grace Hospital site and recently approved University Avenue West CIP, we need to renew Adie Knox for the next generation of users,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The University of Windsor has agreed to offer 93 per cent of the current programming at the Adie Knox pool at the Lancer Centre. Fees at the new pool would be the same as those currently offered at City of Windsor facilities and parking would be free for residents.
The remaining 7 per cent of programming that will not be offered at the Lancer Centre will be offered at the Windsor International Training and Aquatic Centre in downtown Windsor.
Under the agreement, the City of Windsor would pay the University of Windsor $3-million for the construction of the pool and an annual fee of $200,000. This would result in $173,000 in annual operating costs.
The City of Windsor is launching a community survey to gauge what kind of amenities the public would like to see in the reimagined community centre.
The administration is also hoping to take advantage of funding through the federal Green and Inclusive Community Building Fund that was just announced. If approved, the grant would cover $13.5-million of the reconstruction costs. The reconstruction project could be delayed until funding is acquired.
The agreement with the University of Windsor and the City of Windsor still needs approval by Windsor City Councillors. The closure of the pool at Adie Knox was also considered in 2014 and 2019.
Ward 2 Councillor Fabio Costante said this is a very different proposal than seen in years past.
“Community input is going to be vital towards this proposed solution. I know that many residents have a deep affection for Adie Knox, and ensuring community voices are heard during this public consultation is a critical component of the plan,” said Costante.
The City of Windsor is collecting community feedback until June 15, 2021. The agreement will be presented to the council at the June 21, 2021, regular council meeting.
The Lancer Centre is currently under construction and is expected to open in the spring of 2022. It is around 1 km away from the Adie Knox facility.