Renovation of a mixed-use development in Simcoe, Ontario. Completed plans call for the renovation of a 5,205-square-foot stadium; and swimming pool.

https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/is-a-new-aquatic-facility-with-twin-ice-pad-in-norfolks-future-norfolk-council-to-consider-options-to-improve-recreational-facilities Open more share options Breadcrumb Trail Links NewsLocal News Is a new aquatic facility with twin ice pad in Norfolk's future? Norfolk council to consider options to improve recreational facilities Author of the article:Michelle Ruby Published May 09, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read 25 Comments arena Talbot Gardens arena in Simcoe. Photo by Simcoe Reformer /File photo Article content Norfolk County councillors are being asked to consider a couple of costly options to improve recreation in the municipality. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Article content Recommended Videos Article content Norfolk’s Master Recreation Plan, called Recreation without Borders, will be presented at Tuesday’s council-in-committee meeting. The plan outlines two options and steps for implementation over the next three years: Option 1: Construct a new aquatic facility with a twin ice pad, later expanding it to include four arenas. Two new arenas would be attached to a new aquatics centre, with a 25-metre pool and therapeutic pool strategically located in a centalized area of the county. Option 2: Construct a new aquatic facility: Plan includes a new 25-metre, eight-lane pool and therapeutic pool, and repurposing the existing pool at the Simcoe Recreation Centre for additional recreational programming. The plan pegs the cost of a quad arena and pool at about $149.3 million; a quad-only arena at about $121.4 million; a stand-alone aquatic centre at about $40 million; and a twin arena at about $62 million. Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The master recreation plan, created with input from residents, local organizations, recreation providers and other community groups, recommends a new quad-pad arena to meet the needs of a growing population and address aging infrastructure. Some of Norfolk’s arenas are more than 40 years old and require significant repairs and upgrades. If the four-arena facility and pool move forward, the master recreation plan recommends: Repurposing Talbot Arena in downtown Simcoe as a central focal point for outdoor skating in winter and a summer festival space. Repurposing the Waterford Arena as a community centre, library and museum. Redesigning the Port Dover Arena as a space for indoor pickleball, volleyball and badminton. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Repurposing the rink at the Langton Arena for potential uses, including indoor soccer. Continuing to use the Delhi Arena as an ice arena. “The five separate rinks model, while familiar, faces significant challenges in terms of cost, utilization, and long-term adaptability,” said a report prepared by project lead Brenda Andress. “A centralized recreation centre will not only improve service delivery and community access but will also position Norfolk County as a leader in recreational development and regional competitiveness.” The master recreation plan also outlines immediate and long-term objectives for the development of sports fields, community programs, youth programs, adult and seniors’ programs, community centres, staffing alignment and recreation policies. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “The benefits of adopting this plan are numerous, including strategic alignment with the community’s evolving needs, sustainable infrastructure development, and improved accessibility for all residents,” said Andress in her report. “A centralized facility will enhance operational efficiency, reduce long-term maintenance costs and allow for better utilization of space and resources. It fosters a more cohesive community by bringing together residents from different areas, while also offering flexibility to meet future demands.” But the county’s financial services staff offered some sobering comments related to the cost of Option 1. “Given that the county’s 10-year capital forecast contains significant infrastructure spending (particularly on water and wastewater assets), which challenges the county’s ability to remain below the internal debt limit of 15 per cent, additional commitments to large-scale recreation projects are not currently financially feasible.” Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The full cost to implementing Option 1, said the finance department, would result in the “immediate cancellation of large-scale water and/or wastewater investment to ensure alignment with existing debt limitations.” Option 2, which includes the construction of an aquatic centre with potential plans for expansion when it’s affordable, could be assisted by redirecting funding in the county’s approved capital plan, the county’s finance staff said in the report. The capital plan contains $22 million for the expansion and renovation of the Simcoe Recreation Centre/Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre, with construction planned for 2029. However, “due to the inadequacy of existing reserve balances and development charge reserve funds, this project would likely be funded entirely from the issuance of debentures.” --------- This Request for Tender (the "RFT") is an invitation by the Corporation of Norfolk County ("Norfolk County") to prospective Bidders to submit bids to remove, dispose and install new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring at the Talbot Gardens Arena and the Annaleise Carr Aquatic, as further described in Section A of the RFT Particulars (Appendix C) (the "Deliverables"). Question Deadline: Thu May 8, 2025 4:00:00 PM (EDT) Questions related to this bid should be submitted to the RFT Contact through the Bidding System only by clicking on the Submit a Question button for this specific bid opportunity. Documents can be obtained from https://norfolk.bidsandtenders.ca/