Windsor's Ward 2 Councillor Fabio Costante is pleased his council colleagues not only earmarked money for phase one of renovations at the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex but also phase two.
Councillors approved to set aside $29-million for the west end project, a project Costante calls "a generational investment."
Last year, councillors said they would front-load the money after voting to close the pool and transform the complex into a community hub.
"I don't recall the last time council has made an investment of this size in a community centre," he said.
City Council signed off on the conceptual designs on Monday, which include a new gymnasium, multi-use rooms, tennis and pickleball courts, a new basketball court, and upgrades to the building and arena in phase one. In phase two, an indoor walking track will be added, along with a new entrance and more washrooms. Costante said the reimagined complex would eventually boast a kitchen, music room, and a fitness centre.
Costante said there are more public consultations to come.
"A lot of the nuances and things like programming and some of the amenities are still subject to community consultations to make sure that everything that is done, in the coming years, adheres to the needs of the community," he said.
The city started work in early June on the new playground, splash pad, and outdoor trail. It hopes to open those amenities later this summer.
The total project cost could be $42.5-million, and the city had hoped to get a $13-million federal grant to cover some of the expenses. Last month, administrators found out the application wasn't successful, but they hope to meet with the grant providers soon and apply again later this year.
Costante recalled the project would not include a pool, a point that raised concerns among residents living in the west end. The City of Windsor did sign a ten-year agreement with the University of Windsor to transfer most swim programming to the new Lancer Centre, set to open soon.
Lifeguard instruction and a few other programs will move to the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre in downtown Windsor.