‘This is an exciting phase of the project’
Parry Sound North Star
Friday, October 14, 2022
The West Parry Sound Aquatic and Recreation Centre project has reached several important milestones in the last few months and is on track to break ground by next summer.
“It’s been a productive time,” says Donald Sanderson, chair of the West Parry Sound Aquatic and Recreation Centre Board. “This is an exciting phase of the project because we’ve shifted from ideas into action. We are really excited about this momentum.”
On June 7, 2021, The government of Canada announced over $12.7 million in funding for the construction of a new recreation facility in the town of Parry Sound through the community, culture and recreation infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. The government of Ontario also committed to providing $10.6 million. Seven West Parry Sound municipalities — the Township of The Archipelago, Carling Township, McDougall Township, McKellar Township, the Town of Parry Sound, Seguin Township and the Municipality of Whitestone — as well as the First Nation communities of Wasauksing and Shawanaga are collaborating to build the centre, with representatives from these groups sitting on the Municipal Services Board, which leads the decision-making processes.
With government funding now officially secured, earlier this fall the board hired the Gordon and Gordon Group to manage the project. The Toronto-based firm has extensive experience leading institutional, commercial and industrial building projects.
The West Parry Sound Aquatic and Recreation Centre fundraising committee has been working to build awareness and create opportunities for the community to contribute to the project. In September, the team’s fundraising strategy was approved by the board. The volunteer group is also planning to connect with the West Parry Sound community at a grassroots level to keep the public informed and excited about the project. “This facility is going to be a huge asset to our community and one that has been decades in the making,” says Sarah Mahon, a member of the fundraising committee. “We want to make sure West Parry Sound residents know that this aquatic and recreation centre is indeed on its way, and we are committed to doing what we can to help make this facility the best it can be through a robust fundraising plan.”
