It’s been a long time coming, but Perth and three neighbouring municipalities are moving ahead with plans to pursue provincial funding for a proposed regional recreation facility that could eventually replace Perth’s aging indoor pool and arena.
Perth’s committee of the whole unanimously supported developing an application to the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) Stream 2. Perth would act as the lead municipality, working with Drummond/North Elmsley, Tay Valley and Lanark Highlands.
The proposed facility would include a new indoor pool and double-pad arena serving residents across all four municipalities and the broader region.
The reopening of CSRIF Stream 2 has created an opportunity to determine whether significant provincial funding could be secured. Perth representatives discussed the project with provincial officials at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference and received encouraging feedback, although no funding has been promised.
With the application deadline set for Dec. 22, a lot of work must be completed over the next few months.
“We felt like the time is now and we’re just going to do our best to make it work,” said Cathy McNally, Perth’s director of community services. “Michael [Touw, CAO] and I are discussing how to make sure I have the time to complete this work while making sure that nothing else gets dropped off.”
The four municipalities had previously committed $40,000 toward a feasibility study. That money will now help develop the governance model, financial structure, design and other material needed for a competitive grant application.
The work will examine potential operating models, ownership and governance, programming, facility use, financial requirements and how costs and responsibilities could be shared.
Community and stakeholder consultation will also form part of the process.
“Over these next four months we’ll be undertaking community and stakeholder engagement, whether it’s just through the four municipalities working collaboratively or if it’s hiring a third-party vendor,” McNally said.
No final site has been selected, although McNally confirmed the town has one property in mind.
Coun. Isabel McRae suggested the municipalities investigate whether space for a regional daycare could be incorporated into the project.
McNally said community-hub uses could strengthen the grant application, although additional features would have to be weighed against their cost.
“Anytime that we can incorporate spaces that align with that vision, that will help us with our scoring,” McNally said. “The more space we create, obviously the higher the bill will be, but that doesn’t mean to say that we can’t look at some design options.”
Proceeding with the grant application does not constitute approval to build the facility, nor does it commit Perth to a future capital contribution.
McNally said the municipalities will need a clear picture of how any funding gap could be covered.
“If we come up with a design, let’s say it’s $30 million and the government can give us $10 million, then we have to demonstrate how we can come up with the remaining $20 million, whether that’s between the four municipalities, whether that’s fundraising, sponsorship,” McNally said. “That’s what part of that feasibility study work will be, to help us answer those questions, and we’re going to come to council with that so council has an understanding that they’re not going into a grant application blind.”
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