Major recreation projects planned in Perth and Smiths Falls could create difficult funding decisions for the next Drummond/North Elmsley Township council, according to retiring Reeve Steve Fournier.
Fournier said discussions about new arenas, pools and other recreation facilities are expected to be among the biggest issues facing township leaders after the 2026 municipal election.
Perth is exploring plans for a new arena and pool, while Smiths Falls is also considering major recreation infrastructure projects. Fournier said the price tags for those developments could reach tens of millions of dollars.
Fournier said township residents regularly use facilities in neighbouring communities and he supports fair cost-sharing arrangements for operating expenses. However, he questioned how smaller municipalities would contribute to large capital projects.
He noted that even modest contributions could have a significant impact on local taxpayers.
Fournier said the challenge will be finding a balance between supporting regional recreation services and maintaining affordable tax rates for residents.
He said the debate over recreation infrastructure funding is likely to become one of the most important conversations facing the township’s next council.
Story by Grant Deme
