Council will hear Monday about plans to apply for provincial funding for two municipal recreation projects.
With applications for the 2026 intake of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) open, municipal staff is recommending putting forward two recreation projects for potential provincial funding.
The CSRIF supports “the repair and rehabilitation of existing community sport and recreation facilities through Stream 1 and the construction of new or replacement facilities through Stream 2,” with applications due December 22, 2026.
The Blenheim Memorial Arena ice plant and floor replacement is being considered for Stream 1, with an estimated project cost of $2.7 million. Stream 1 projects are eligible for between $100,000 and $1 million in provincial funding, subject to final eligible project costs.
The repairs to the Blenheim Memorial Arena ice plant and floor are consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and staff says the project would be deliverable within the Stream 1 completion requirements of 24 months from approval.
Staff are recommending the South Kent Ball Diamond Complex for Stream 2, which has an estimated cost of $16.68 million, excluding land acquisition.
Council previously approved the purchase of 32 acres of land at 9267 Allison Line in Blenheim for the proposed four-diamond baseball complex in August.
Stream 2 provides up to $10 million towards a project under the standard program, with staff writing in its report that “the final funding request will be established following refinement of the project scope, eligible project budget and municipal funding strategy.”
Administration will report back to Council if either application is approved regarding the funding agreement, final project scope, municipal contribution, procurement and any additional authority required to proceed.