Indoor Multi-use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study

Recreation and sport opportunities are essential to the health and wellbeing of Sarnia residents and are a key part of our community identity. As interests change and new activities emerge, the City is taking a closer look at needs through a Feasibility Study for an Indoor Multi-use Recreation Facility.

The vision is to develop a community hub that supports a wide variety of recreation and leisure activities for all age groups. This multi-use model of provision is becoming more common in communities throughout Canada as it offers greater convenience, better efficiency, and can benefit more people.

The community has expressed interest in a multi-use indoor recreation facility for several years. Through research and community consultation, the Feasibility Study will provide the City with reliable information upon which to base its decision. This includes recommendations around facility needs, operating models, partnerships, and costs. A key part of the study will include a site selection exercise to ensure that potential locations are assessed and thoroughly evaluated.

To help guide the process, we are seeking input on potential facility components and uses, which may include:

• indoor turf field for sports such as soccer, football, rugby, baseball, etc.
• gymnasium for sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, etc.
• indoor walking track
• racquet courts for sports such as tennis, squash, etc.
• multi-use activity spaces and meeting rooms
• support spaces
• other spaces supported by community needs

Note: The study is focused on indoor facility requirements; outdoor amenities are not being assessed. Arena and indoor pool demands are generally being met by existing facilities and will not form part of the recommended facility.

All residents and community organizations are invited to participate in this study through the following means:

• community survey - the survey is now closed for submissions.
• user group questionnaire (distributed by invitation)
• public information session to review draft study (to be scheduled)
• written submissions – please email parksandrecreation@sarnia.ca if you wish to provide additional information