Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Timmins has awarded a $325,000 design contract to J.L Richards & Associates Limited for the revitalization of Leo Del Villano Park.
The project includes two major components: construction of a new, fully accessible washroom facility and development of a regulation-size cricket field.
“The current washroom facility at the park is outdated and no longer meets modern standards for accessibility or functionality,” said Steph Palmateer, director of community services and city clerk. “It’s more cost effective to construct a new washroom building that is designed to be fully accessible and better equipped to serve increased park usage.
“The city will repurpose the existing structure as a cold storage facility to support park operations.”
Recognizing the rapid growth of cricket in Timmins—particularly among youth and newcomer communities—the project includes building a regulation-size cricket field that will support inclusive recreation and create opportunities for regional cricket events and sports tourism.
“These upgrades represent a meaningful investment in the health, vitality, and inclusiveness of our community spaces,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau, “There’s an unspoken race between our Northern Ontario large urban cities to build the first regulation cricket pitch.
“We intend to hit a six with this park and field development.”
The proposed improvements to Leo Del Villano Park align with the recreation master plan and goal to invest in recreational spaces as community destination hubs with unique amenities that support accessibility and inclusion.