What will proposed $30-million Brant Sports Complex expansion look like?

Residents in north Paris are one step closer to more recreation facilities after Brant County councilors approved a nearly $2-million design contract for the expansion of Brant Sports Complex on Tuesday.

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The complex at 944 Powerline Rd. opened in 2011, with two NHL-sized ice pads, a banquet hall, meeting rooms and a conference room.

With an explosion of recent development north of Highway 403 in Paris, the expansion will allow the county to offer additional recreational activities, programs and services, making them more accessible to the community, according to a report councilors saw on Tuesday.

The proposed addition on the east side of the arena complex would add another 50,000 square feet to the current footprint of around 80,000 square feet.

It would make room for a triple gymnasium, indoor walking track, and new multi-purpose rooms for preschool, youth and senior programming.

Also proposed are gender-neutral change areas and washrooms, customer service and office spaces, a pro-shop and “other amenities as space planning allows,” the report said.

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The net-zero design incorporates energy-efficient electrical/mechanical systems and solar panels, and will allow for the building to serve as an emergency evacuation center with backup power, the report said.

Around $22 million was factored into the long-term financial plan to build the new facilities, and staff are looking into what can still be accomplished for that rate, Philip Mete, general manager for community services for the county, told councilors on Tuesday.

However, staff expect they will now be looking at closer to $30 million to include everything from the original plan, advisors heard.

The project will be funded through development charges, fundraising, the parkland dedication reserve and tax support, according to the report.

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However, the provincial community sport and recreation infrastructure fund could help cover the difference if the project is selected, Mete told council.

While some advisors questioned the $2-million architecture price tag, the cost includes necessary services through to completion of the project — such as detailed design, architectural engineering, and construction drawings, documents, and inspection, Mete said.

Staff estimate construction will take around 15 months. It needs to be completed by the end of March 2027 to qualify for the funding, Mete told advisors.

While the timeline could be tight, there’s already a “really good concept” in place. Staff will bring a couple of options to council for consideration, and seek community input, he said.

Celeste Percy-Beauregard is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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