The city will ask for bids to build the indoor turf facility contract, after over four hours of discussion at City Council.
Councillors decided against waiting for a report from their staff on the city’s financial position and confirmation of funding sources, which could have come back to Council as late as November 2021.
The facility could cost up to $42-million if the city can’t secure outside funding. The current funding applications include $21-million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Councillor Mark Bentz warns that if construction starts before the city gets that money, their application will be disqualified.
“That’s that program. Future programs might have that same stipulation. So we’re closing the door on maybe bettering the financial situation we could have put in place for the ratepayer,” Bentz points out.
Current River Councillor Andrew Foulds voted to move ahead with the project, but says he is still uneasy about embarking on a sports facility during a pandemic and unsteady financial situation.
“I’m worried about providing activities for kids, but I’m also worried about the safety for kids, and the public health for kids. There are lots of unknowns, and I am tremendously uncomfortable with all those unknowns,” Foulds admits.
Mayor Bill Mauro says this project shouldn’t be delayed because the city needs it to get more young people to move here.
“This building, if you do [build it], is going to last for 50 to 75 years. It’s for those generations to follow that we need to do this. They are the people you’re trying to keep and attract,” the mayor urges.
