A new swimming pool, twin ice pads and more room for recreation could be in the future for Perth and its neighbouring communities. But before anything is built, local residents are being asked to help decide what that future should look like.
The Town of Perth is joining forces with Tay Valley Township, Drummond/North Elmsley and Lanark Highlands to explore building a regional recreation centre that would serve all four municipalities.
During an interview at Perth Town Hall, Perth’s director of community services, Cathy McNally, said the project represents an exciting opportunity to address aging facilities while planning for generations to come.
She says the need for improved recreation infrastructure is hardly new.
The proposed facility could eventually replace Perth’s existing arena and indoor pool.
Among the possibilities being considered are two ice pads, aquatic facilities, indoor walking space, fitness and wellness areas, and rooms for community programming.
Nothing has been finalized.
The four municipalities have hired Sierra Planning and Management to conduct a feasibility study examining what residents need, what the facility could include and how much it would cost to build and operate.
The $103,200 consulting contract, plus HST, is being shared equally by the four municipalities. Each is contributing $25,800, plus HST.
One possible location is already attracting attention.
McNally says Perth owns approximately 19 acres north of Highway 7, behind A&B Ford, that could accommodate the project.
The property would require servicing, including water, sewer and road infrastructure, but its location near the surrounding municipalities makes it an attractive option.
The location has not received final council approval, and the feasibility study does not commit any municipality to construction.
There’s also a significant financial challenge.
The municipalities are preparing an application to Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which could provide up to $10 million toward construction.
Under the program’s rules, municipalities can receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, subject to the $10-million cap. That means local governments and other funding partners would have to cover the balance.
McNally estimates a conventional recreation centre featuring two ice pads and two pool tanks could cost between $60 million and $65 million.
To bring that number down, planners are considering an alternative building design using tensioned-fabric structures, which McNally believes could substantially reduce construction expenses.
Those estimates are preliminary, and the feasibility study will help determine the actual costs.
For now, the most important step involves the people who would use the facility.
A public survey is open until November 15, inviting residents throughout the region to share their recreation priorities, experiences and ideas.
The survey is available to residents of Perth, Tay Valley, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands and the broader region.
Sports organizations, recreation groups and other community organizations will also have opportunities to participate in workshops.
The goal is to understand what services are missing, which activities people want and what kind of facility would best serve the region.
McNally says public participation could also help strengthen the municipalities’ funding application, which must be submitted by December 22.
A public information centre is planned for January 2027, when residents will have another opportunity to review possible facility designs and provide feedback.
Engage Perth+1
Despite the financial challenges and tight deadlines, McNally is clearly enthusiastic about the opportunity.
If provincial funding is approved, the project would still require further municipal decisions, financial commitments and design work.
For now, McNally hopes residents will seize the opportunity to help shape a recreation centre that could serve the region for decades.
