Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Windsor and The University of Windsor have reached an agreement regarding the shared community use of the new Lancer Centre (LC) pool at the University of Windsor. The tentative agreement, which requires City of Windsor Council approval, would accomplish the following:
- Accommodate 93 per cent of existing bookings from Adie Knox, with the remaining 7% relocated to the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre Presented by WFCU Credit Union;
- Complimentary parking for city residents using the pool at the LC; and
- Welcome residents without any increase in fees and allow for memberships to city pools to be used at the LC going forward.
A public consultation is open until June 15.
The City of Windsor is hoping for a maximum contribution of $13.5 million from the federal government’s new Green and Inclusive Community Building Fund, to help funded the estimated $42 million to upgrade Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex.
The city will provide an up-front capital contribution and annual operating subsidy to the university, a plan that will cost less than operating a separate swimming pool at Adie Knox.
With construction of a new pool about a kilometre away, the municipality is committed to renovating and expanding the municipal facility to invest in the needs of current and future west-end residents. New services and community spaces would be constructed, subject to public input, which could include a gymnasium, splash pad, tennis or pickleball courts, basketball courts and a walking track.
“The stars have aligned, and we are keen to make a massive investment at Adie Knox. With the plans for the Grace Hospital site and recently approved University Avenue West CIP, we need to renew Adie Knox for the next generation of users,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a statement.
“The University of Windsor is pleased to partner with the City of Windsor to create a shared space for recreation users. The new Lancer Centre will be more than a campus addition – it will be a community amenity,” said university president Dr. Robert Gordon.
