A proposed regional recreation complex brought questions about affordability, outside funding and community benefits to the Smiths Falls mayoral all-candidates meeting.
Peter McKenna, Nate Morris and Chris Cummings offered different assessments of whether the project could move forward and what residents should expect.
McKenna emphasized that the proposal involves more than an arena. He said the facility would accommodate activities such as pickleball, indoor soccer and basketball, following research and consultation with potential users and neighbouring municipalities.
McKenna said a need for the facility had been identified, but a recent application for government funding was unsuccessful.
He described the proposal as the result of a comprehensive planning process and said neighbouring municipalities had been consulted. His support was conditional on their participation and the availability of resources.
Morris questioned whether the project was realistic. He said he was unaware of any neighbouring municipality that had committed to participating and criticized money spent on feasibility work and consultants.
He suggested the town could pursue a smaller recreation investment.
Morris said he would welcome the larger complex, but did not believe it was an honest proposition financially. He argued that controlling unnecessary spending would allow the town to offer residents more services within its means.
Cummings said he had reviewed the project’s report from a business perspective. He saw potential benefits for physical and mental health, residents of different ages and the local economy.
However, he questioned how much could reasonably be raised through community fundraising.
Cummings said proceeding would require a firm plan and commitments from neighbouring municipalities and senior governments. He described the proposal as a worthwhile ambition, while remaining uncertain about its financial feasibility.
Alll audio in this story is courtesy YourTV Smiths Falls.
