HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2025-044 - Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex - Gymnasium UpdateStaff Report
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Community Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING: February 10, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Michael May, DCAO & GM of Community Services,
Denise McGoldrick, GM of Infrastructure Services
Jonathan Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer
PREPARED BY: Elin Moorlag Silk, Manager, Service Coordination & Improvement,
Darren Becks, Director, Facilities Management,
Osama Siddiqui, Project Manager, Customer Experience
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: February 6, 2025
REPORT NO.: CSD -2025-044
SUBJECT: Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex — Gymnasium Update
RECOMMENDATION:
That, in order to avoid project cost escalations and delays in opening the Kitchener
Indoor Recreation Complex, staff be directed to proceed with phase one of the two -
phased construction of a new gymnasium at Schlegel Park (as outlined in CSD -2025-044)
that would support a wide diversity of community activities and events, as well as fast-
growing sports such as basketball, volleyball and pickleball; and
That staff be authorized to use the $19,913,529 in debenture financing previously
authorized by City Council on September 16, 2024, to fund this phase of the gym
construction; and
That staff be directed to continue with advocacy efforts with the federal and provincial
governments to secure grant funding to help complete phase two of the gym construction
and open the facility.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
A gymnasium has been proposed to be built at the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex
(KIRC) at Schlegel Park to support a wide diversity of community activities and events, as
well as fast-growing youth and adult sports such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
On September 16, 2024, City Council directed staff to apply to the federal and provincial
governments for grant money to help fund construction of the gym. At the same time Council
authorized up to $20M in debenture financing for the gym project.
Construction of the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KI RC) has reached a point where
a decision about building the gymnasium must be made now in order to avoid cost increases
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
Page 35 of 55
on the gym project, and to remain on schedule to open the full KIRC facility in the summer
of 2026. The City has not yet received a decision on the status of the grant applications.
• If construction of the KIRC gymnasium is delayed, the result will be immediate and ongoing
cost escalations (ranging from approximately from $4M to $9M+) to the budget, along with
compounded scheduling delays to the opening.
• Utilizing a two -phased approach to constructing the gym offers several advantages: (1) it
enables construction on the gym to get underway now, avoiding cost escalations and
schedule delays; (2) it maximizes integration and efficiencies between the gym and the rest
of the KIRC building; (3) it provides the flexibility on how to proceed with phase two of the
gym's construction based on the outcomes of the City's grant applications with the federal
and provincial governments, and (4) it reduces the initial capital request from $30M to $20M.
BACKGROUND:
The quad gymnasium at Schlegel Park will not only help fill a gap in the currently underserviced
southwestern area of Kitchener but will also provide increased recreational opportunities for
thousands of people across the community. By creating the City's first facility of this kind, with
competition standards for basketball, volleyball and pickleball, the City will help meet the fast-
growing and increasingly diverse demand for indoor court and gym spaces.
The quad gymnasium has been designed with the ability to sub -divide the space into four courts,
each with individual access to support spaces. The design also includes associated storage,
spectator seating and additional washrooms to support these functions. On the mezzanine level,
the new space provides additional viewing onto the courts and access to two cricket batting
cages. The quad gymnasium has been integrated with the rest of the KIRC facility in such a way
that the circulation and user experience are seamless. Like the KIRC facility, the quad
gymnasium will be designed to the highest standards and will be a feature community amenity
within the City of Kitchener as a Net -Zero facility.
Further, adding the quad gymnasium to the KIRC facility not only addresses the demand for
more court/gym space, but it also meets the community and users' preference for multi -use
facilities that offer a wide variety of amenities in one location vs. a standalone single -amenity
recreation centre. Indeed, substantial support for the quad gymnasium proposal has been
expressed by numerous user groups who were engaged by City staff during the design phase
of the gymnasium. These user groups wrote letters of support that accompanied the City's
federal and provincial grant applications'.
Provincial & Federal Grant Applications
As directed by City Council, in the Fall of 2024 the City submitted grant applications to the federal
and provincial governments totalling $20,000,000 in potential funding for the gym project.
1. One application was to the Province of Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation
Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) through Stream 2 — New/Signature Builds. This stream
supports initiatives that address a clear community need, transform existing infrastructure
to create new sports and recreation facilities, establish unique facilities that do not
' Please see report appendices B through G for letters of support submitted from local user groups.
Page 36 of 55
currently exist within the province or region, attract investment and stimulate economic
growth, and serve as venues for hosting large sports events.
2. The second application was for the Federal Government's Green and Inclusive
Community Building (GICB) Program, which prioritizes new facilities that fill a missing
or distinct gap in a service requirement where critical community infrastructure is lacking,
along with encouraging new builds to net zero standards, reducing GHG emissions,
increasing energy efficiency, and building resiliency to climate change.
Over the past several months, robust advocacy has been underway with the federal and
provincial governments in support of those grant applications. However, given the current
political situation in both the federal (parliament prorogued) and provincial (early election call)
governments, decision-making on both grant applications has been delayed for longer than
anticipated, and as such, the City has not yet received a decision on either of the applications.
REPORT:
This report is being brought forward as directed by Council in September 2024 regarding the
status of the City's grant applications. The resolution states the following (with statement relevant
to this report in bold):
"That Council support the City's grant submission to the Community Sport and
Recreation Infrastructure Fund Stream 2 for the construction of the quad gymnasium
located at the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex, as outlined in Financial Services
Department report FIN -2024-411; and,
That Council supports the City's grant submission to the Green and Inclusive
Community Buildings Federal Grant program for the construction of the quad
gymnasium located at the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex, and,
That the total budget for the gymnasium located at the Kitchener Indoor Recreation
Complex be approved at $29,913,529, and that, if both grant applications are
successful, an additional maximum debenture financing in the amount of $9,913,529 be
authorized, and that, if only one grant application is successful, an additional maximum
debenture financing in the amount of $19,913,529 be authorized, in both scenarios, for
a term not exceeding 20 years (to be repaid from future development charge revenue
earmarked for indoor recreation facilities); and,
That the Chief Administrative Officer or a General Manager is hereby authorized to
execute the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) and the
Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) application, and if successful, execute
a CSRIF Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of Sport, and any other CSRIF
or GICB related documentation; said agreement and other related documentation is to
be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and,
That, if the grant application is successful, staff be directed to execute the
supplementary agreement with the IPD team signatories for the construction phase of
the project, and further,
Page 37 of 55
That staff be directed to report back to Council if the grant funding is
unsuccessful with options for advancing the gym construction, or if the City is a
successful grant recipient, report back to Council through an information report
summarizing the status of the application."
Staff have not yet received a decision on the City's federal and provincial grant applications and
are looking to Council for direction on options to move forward with construction of the
gymnasium, as directed in the Council resolution above.
Construction on the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex has reached a point where a
decision about building the gymnasium must be made now in order to remain on
schedule for the completion and opening of the facility in the summer of 2026.
Staff have been working closely with the KIRC Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team members
to explore potential options for proceeding with construction of the gymnasium. The chart on the
following page identifies the benefits and risks of four options that have been carefully
considered. Option 3, to build the gymnasium in two phases, is being recommended by staff as
the preferred approach.
Page 38 of 55
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Option 3: Build Gym in Phases — STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The option of building the gym in two phases is being recommended by staff as a way of
addressing decision-making constraints while attempting to mitigate financial risk. With this
option, construction of the gym would proceed without delay alongside the base KIRC
building to ensure that construction of the gymnasium "shell" (phase one) is fully integrated
and current schedules are maintained. Further, by proceeding in two distinct phases, the
team is able to delay completion of the "interior" (phase two) to align with future funding/grant
decisions.
Generally, the proposed phases with this option would likely work out as follows (although
some elements may change as the IPD Team continues work on this approach):
This phased approach to constructing the gym accomplishes the following:
• Provides certainty to the build team regarding next steps and does not jeopardize
project delivery of the base building (avoids delays in opening).
• Provides greater cost certainty for critical time sensitive elements such as, but not
limited to foundations, steel, and site works.
• Avoids cost escalations of $4M - $9M through shared efficiencies and opportunities
to find further innovations that would be shared with the base build
• Allows the site to be built with the same envelope materials and components as the
base KIRC building to ensure that there is a cohesive design and appearance.
• Reduces or eliminates risk in the following areas:
Page 40 of 55
• Completion of all sitework and demolition to achieve Site
Plan Approval (SPA) based on additional requirements
that the full gym completion would require.
• Completion of all envelope items (concrete footings and
Phase One — shell
foundations, steel structure, cross laminated timber
(approx. cost $20M)
(CLT), metal deck, siding, tile, windows, roof membrane).
• Pour the concrete slab on grade
• Completion of mechanical rough -in (all underground
works and placement of roof top mechanical equipment)
• Completion of electrical rough -in
• Completion of the interior finishes. Examples:
o Interior partitions (drywall & concrete block)
o Water supply piping and plumbing fixtures
o Mechanical ductwork & distribution
Phase Two — interior
o Doors & hardware
o Architectural finishes (floor, walls & ceilings)
(approx. cost ($10M)
o Gym flooring
o Gym equipment
• Facility commissioning
• Facility opening
This phased approach to constructing the gym accomplishes the following:
• Provides certainty to the build team regarding next steps and does not jeopardize
project delivery of the base building (avoids delays in opening).
• Provides greater cost certainty for critical time sensitive elements such as, but not
limited to foundations, steel, and site works.
• Avoids cost escalations of $4M - $9M through shared efficiencies and opportunities
to find further innovations that would be shared with the base build
• Allows the site to be built with the same envelope materials and components as the
base KIRC building to ensure that there is a cohesive design and appearance.
• Reduces or eliminates risk in the following areas:
Page 40 of 55
Allows the City to lock in costs for known elements and reduces future price
uncertainty for phase one scope.
Uses trades that are already onsite to continue their work without re -mobilizing
at a future date.
Eliminates schedule risk as the shell construction is easily folded into the
current schedule and build program
Moving forward with shelled space within an initial build is a tactic that has been employed
on many other sites across numerous sectors, particularly as a cost-saving and time -saving
strategy. Overall, the cost for completion of phase one is estimated to be $20M, which is
considered an acceptable financial risk to the City in order to move forward with this option.
A prime benefit with this option is that construction of phase one of the gymnasium will
progress alongside the base KIRC build, avoiding project costs escalations of $4M to $9M
and delays to the opening of the KIRC/gym or both.
Further, this option allows for flexibility in decision-making on whether to move forward with
phase two in the near future. For instance, in the event that the political climate and financial
position of our country shifts significantly requiring a change in course, phase one of the
gym (the "shell') can be left empty and unfinished for a period of time until we are in a
financial position to complete phase two. Should the City receive less than $10M in grant
funding in the short-term for phase two of the gym construction, staff will consider a variety
of other funding strategies/sources and report back to City Council in a timely manner.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the vision of Fostering a Caring City Together by emphasizing
inclusivity for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. It promotes the health
and well-being of the community by ensuring easy access to diverse and inclusive programs
and services. The construction of a quad gymnasium at the KIRC meets a fast-growing
demand for court space.
This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together by promoting a sustainable pathway
to a greener and healthier urban environment. It emphasizes the enhancement and
protection of parks and natural spaces while transitioning to a low -carbon future.
Additionally, the report supports businesses and residents in making climate -positive
choices, fostering a community committed to environmental stewardship and resilience.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Sensitivity analysis around forecasted indoor recreation DC revenues was completed to
determine the level of financial risk involved with gym construction. Through this analysis it
was established that the Indoor Recreation DC Reserve can fully fund the gym cost (plus
debt servicing costs), though it is much more preferable to reduce that debt cost to the City
through federal/provincial grant funding. The balance in the reserve is expected to drop to
low levels in 2028 and fully debt financing the gym has the potential to limit the amount of
funding available for other indoor recreation priorities for the next 10 to 15 years.
Page 41 of 55
The following graph models a 10% reduction in DC forecasted revenues compared to
revenues modelled as part of the City's most recent DC study. It highlights a number of
possible debt/grant scenarios which include (1), the City receiving $10M in grant funding
and issuing $20M debt (2), the City receiving $5M in grant funding and issuing $25M debt,
and (3) the City fully funding the gym at $30M.
Forecasted DC revenues over the next 10 years are shown alongside each of the funding
scenarios. A 10% reduction in forecasted revenues is considered a likely scenario after
considering a few factors:
• Actual DC revenues collected in 2024 were lower than forecasted in the DC study,
which can be attributed in part to an overall slowdown in development, which is
expected to continue as trend in the short term.
• Impacts from Legislative Changes (Bill 23) has resulted in lower DC revenue overall
for Kitchener, which is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
• Economic conditions (tariffs, US exchange rate, inflation, interest rate) are likely to
have an impact on housing development, potentially reducing the amount the City
collects annually in DC revenue as well as increasing the cost of construction.
• Impact of elections on grant programs — upcoming provincial and federal elections
may have a further impact on decision making. Depending on the outcome of the
elections, there is a risk that grant funding programs could be cancelled.
It is recommended that grant funding opportunities continue to be pursued and at this time
the maximum limit for debt financing remain at the previously -authorized Council -endorsed
$20M in order to move forward with phase one of the gymnasium construction. Staff have
carefully considered the potential risks with the authorization of additional DC debt,
especially given the current political climate. Although the City has the ability to take on more
debt for the gym construction, additional DC debt will also be needed in other DC services
areas that will increase the City's overall debt levels. Based on the City's growth -related
Page 42 of 55
infrastructure needs, it's expected that required DC debt will total approximately $200M over
the next 10 years, illustrated in the table below.
Strasburg Road & Watermain
$ 8,565,000
$ 8,736,333
$
$
$
$ 17,301,333
Upper Hidden Valley & Otterbein SPS & Forcemain
$ 19,058,000
$ 8,200,000
$
$
$
$ 27,258,000
KI RC + $20M Gym
$ _
$ 105,610,000
$
$
$
$ 105,610,000
KIRC Gym Additional Debt (if no grants received)
$
$ 10,000,000
$
$
$
$ 10,000,000
Future Roads Debt
$
$ _.
$ 20,787,000
$
$
$ 20,787,000
Future Sanitary Debt
$_
$ _
$
$
$ 14,832,000
$ 14,832,000
Total
$ 27,623,000
$132,546,333
$20,787,000
$ -
$14,832,000
$ 195,788,333,,
Debt charges as a percentage of own source revenues would be expected to increase to
around 7.7% if the City needed to fully fund the additional $30M in debt for the KIRC
gymnasium. This is still well below the Province's 25% annual repayment limit and still
below the City's own debt policy maximum of 10%, but could limit the City's financial
flexibility in the future and ability to use debt as a financing option to move other City
initiatives forward.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of
the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT — Engagement with Sports User Groups
The engagement process for the proposed quad gymnasium has demonstrated strong
enthusiasm and support from a diverse range of community stakeholders and sport groups.
Staff have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the gymnasium's design, multi -
sport functionality, and potential to fill a critical gap in indoor court space within the region.
User groups have expressed eager anticipation for the facility, recognizing it as a much-
needed addition that will enhance Kitchener's ability to support grassroots and high-
performance sports alike.
Letters of support have been received from the following organizations:
• Kitchener Soccer Club
• Southwestern Ontario Cricket Association
• Kitchener Waterloo Youth Basketball Association
• Explore Waterloo Region's Sport Hosting Office
• Kitchener -Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
• Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region
Page 43 of 55
See appendices B through G for these letters of support. In their letter, the KW Youth
Basketball Association emphasized that gym space is "long past due," and further
expressed:
With the tremendous growth in population in the region, we, the KW Youth
Basketball Association, are having a very hard time keeping up with the
demand for basketball training, teams and time because of a lack of
facilities..... This facility would not only allow minor sports clubs to have a
place for their teams to practice but it would also allow the parent clubs to be
able to host tournaments which would then bring people into the region
spending money on hotels, restaurants and shopping (Mike Quigley, KW
Youth Basketball Association)
Similarly, Explore Waterloo Region's Sport Hosting Office underscored how the quad gym
would strengthen Kitchener's position in the sports tourism market, attracting regional and
national competitions while delivering substantial economic and community benefits.
The KW Predators Volleyball Club also strongly endorsed the project stating that:
This type of facility is what our community has needed for years and the
thought that it could come to fruition in the next few years has all the sports
organizations in our community very excited... This past year, we had over
700 young athletes try out for a spot on one of our teams. Unfortunately, we
had to release over 400 athletes, due to the fact that there is a shortage of
practice facilities, and we could only accommodate a limited number of
athletes. A facility of this size would allow us to increase the number of teams
we carry, thereby allowing more young athletes to participate in youth sport.
(Paul Pavan, KW Predators Volleyball Club)
The enthusiasm from these organizations reflects a clear demand for indoor court space,
and our engagement efforts indicate strong community backing both for the project and for
the vision and design for the gymnasium as a part of the overall KIRC.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
FIN -2024-411 Applications to CSRIF and GICB Fund — KIRC Gymnasium
INS -2024-126 Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex — Target Cost & Design
Update
APPROVED BY: Dan Chapman, CAO
ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix A —
Most recent gymnasium renderings
Appendix B —
Explore Waterloo Region's Sport Hosting Office Letter of Support
Appendix C —
Kitchener Soccer Letter of Support
Appendix D —
KW Predators Volleyball Club Letter of Support
Appendix E —
KW Youth Basketball Association Letter of Support
Appendix F —
Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region Letter of Support
Appendix G
— Southwestern Ontario Cricket Association Letter of Support
Page 44 of 55
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Page 47 of 55
October 4, 2024
Government of Ontario - Ministry of Sport
Re: Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund —Stream 2
Dear Minister Neil Lumsden:
Please let this letter demonstrate our strong support for the City of Kitchener in their application for
fundingfrom the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund —Stream 2. The Sport
Hosting Office at Explore Waterloo Region sees an existing deficit of gymnasium space in our
community. We believe this facility will significantly enhance our Region and the potential for
hosting sporting events in Kitchener.
If approved, the funding would be used toward the build of a new quad gymnasium with four (4) full-
size basketball courts that could support a range of sports including volleyball, badminton,
pickleball and others, as well as providing multi-purpose space for non -sport events and programs.
With a 40 -foot clear ceiling height and specialized flooring, the gym would support tournament
level play at high performance levels and would enhance our region's capacity to host a wide
variety of sporting events and tournaments, attracting visitors from across Ontario and beyond.
The demand for venues that can accommodate regional, provincial, and national competitions
continues to grow, and this gymnasium would strengthen Waterloo Region's position in the sports
tourism market; also contributing to the local economy. This space would create new opportunities
for community engagement with state-of-the-art recreational opportunities, positively impacting
local residents where we live, work, and play.
We fully support the City of Kitchener for this funding opportunity and are confident that the project
will deliver substantial benefits to our community. The funding opportunity provided by the
province to support sport infrastructure is essential and will allow for facilities to be built that not
only serve the local community— but enhance Ontario's profile as a sport hosting destination on
the national stage.
Page 48 of 55
We appreciate your consideration of this application and Loo k forward to the positive impact it wi I[
bring.
Michele Saran
CEO, Explore Waterloo Region
Allister Scorgie
Director, Sport Hosting, Explore Waterloo Region
Page 49 of 55
October 3, 2024
Re: Kitchener Indoor Recreational Complex (KIRC)
To: To Whom It May Concern
The Kitchener, Ontario minor sports community are very excited concerning the announcements of
the new Kitchener Indoor Recreational Complex.
In addition to the current announcement the possibility of having a quad gymnasium as additional
opportunities for our Club (Kitchener TFC Soccer) and many others within the community only
enhances our excitement and desire to have this facility built.
We capitalize our training and playing opportunities with the additional quad gym without question.
Notwithstanding the excitement this would create and fill with adding this to KIRC project.
Please consider all support to our Municipal Government for ensuring we can provide so much
more to our community to benefit our youth and adult programs.
Thank you,
Tim Hart
Executive Director
Kitchener TFC, Kitchener Soccer Club
(519) 896-8947 x11
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Kitchener -Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
80 Keller Crescent Phone: (519-570-2977
Kitchener, ON Email: ppavan@kwpredators.org
N2N 3M7
To Whom It May Concern
My name is Paul Pavan and I am the President and Director of the Kitchener Waterloo Predators
Volleyball Club, a not-for-profit club for elementary and high-school age athletes.
I would like to express my support for the initiative undertaken by the City of Kitchener to build a facility
that will include 4 full-sized basketball courts.
This type of facility is what our community has needed for years and the thought that it could actually
come to fruition in the next few years has all the sports organizations in our community very excited.
For our sport, 4 full-sized basketball courts would equate to 8 volleyball courts. With this number of
courts, it would mean an increase in practice time, and with 2 of the biggest clubs in the province in our
community, this would help alleviate the shortage for practice time that we currently experience.
This past year, we had over 700 young athletes try out for a spot on one of our teams. Unfortunately,
we had to release over 400 athletes, due to the fact that there is a shortage of practice facilities and we
could only accommodate a limited number of athletes. A facility of this size would allow us to increase
the number of teams we carry, thereby allowing more young athletes to participate in youth sport.
Furthermore, this would create the ability for the city to earn revenue by running OVA tournaments,
which go on weekly from early November to the end of March. A facility of this size could accommodate
tournaments of up to 32 teams and up to 1000 people per day on weekends, giving the members of our
community a financial boost.
I have just scratched the surface of what the possibilities could be and the impact that this type of
facility could have on the sports clubs and business owners will be felt throughout our community for
years to follow.
Sincerely,
Paul Pavan
President and Director
Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
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519-572-6038
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Kitchener-Waterloo
outh4���SSSS�S�U
asketba
ssociation
To whom it may concern
KITCHENER-WATERLOO
YOUTH BASKETBALL
ASSOCIATION
2012 OBA Club -of -the -Year
This is a letter of support for the City of Kitchener's grant application that would provide capitol
funding towards a new quad gymnasium in the RPG Schlegel Park. The reasons for this support
are many.
This infrastructure is long past due. With the tremendous growth in population in the region, we,
the KW Youth Basketball Association, are having a very hard time keeping up with the demand
for basketball training, teams and time because of a lack of facilities. Since the return from
COVID all minor sport youth clubs are facing tremendous growth as parents are anxious to get
their children into active sports, Indoors facilities in the Kitchener area are behind the times.
Most other major population centers have already built newer facilities and are reaping the
benefits from it.
This facility would not only allow minor sports clubs to have a place for their teams to practice
but it would also allow the parent clubs to be able to host tournaments which would then bring
people into the region spending money on hotels, restaurants and shopping. For the KW YBA
this would mean hosting an event like the Ontario Basketball Association's Ontario
Championships which draw thousands of parents for an entire weekend.
This new facility would be guaranteed long term tenants as the KW YBA would, as the city's
minor sport affiliate for basketball, use as much time as they could rent for their team's practices
and games.
It could also serve as a cornerstone in attracting larger sporting competitions such as Ontario
Summer Games bids or Canada Games bids. Kitchener ended in 2nd place in the bid for the 2022
Canada Games as the main venue for basketball competition was not as good as that of Niagara
Region.
As one of the fastest growing population centers in Ontario, Kitchener needs to get this facility
built as soon as possible. This grant would expediate the process for us.
The KW Youth Basketball Association firmly and fully supports their request.
If you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (519) 573-4582 or
email at mikekkwyba.com.
Thank You
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Mike Quigley
Executive Director, KWYBA
Director, KW YBA Vipers
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� R
October 3, 2024
Dear Neil Lumsden,
I write to you today to lend my full support to the application from the City of Kitchener to the Community
Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund — Stream 2.
If approved, this grant will be used to support the construction of a facility that will function as part of a
community hub. This facility will include much needed gymnasium space for members of our community.
Kitchener is currently lacking facilities that can offer pickleball and para-pickleball programs, tournaments
and special events. This new facility will create space for basketball, volleyball, badminton and pickleball
players, and with the 40 -foot ceiling height is perfectly suited for pickleball play. The sport of pickleball is
the fastest growing sport in North America, and facilities are needed to meet the demand.
Our not-for-profit organization, Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region (POWWR), was incorporated in
2017 and has close to 600 members. POWWR lacks access to facilities to offer pickleball programs to
all our Youth and Adult members. Our membership has doubled in the last year, and gymnasium space
is urgently needed. Registrations for our pickleball programs fill up within the hour, leaving many
members without a place to develop their skills and play the sport in a safe and welcoming environment.
A quad gymnasium with court dimensions that are designed for pickleball play will go a long way to meet
the demand of the ever-expanding pickleball community. In partnership with the City of Kitchener,
POWWR will be able to offer a variety of pickleball programs, including Drill & Play, Open Play, Clinics,
Local and Regional Tournaments. Our organization has an energetic Board of Directors, Certified
Coaches, experienced Volunteers and the drive to offer dozens of programs and tournaments throughout
the year. All we lack is the facility to meet the growing demand.
By including pickleball courts in the design, this facility will be the hub of pickleball activities serving
youth, adults, seniors and para-pickleball players. This project will enhance physical and mental
wellness in our community and encourage intergenerational connections.
Sincerely,
Fiona MacGregor
President, Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region (POWWR)
www. powwr. ca
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October 4, 2024
Re: Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund — Stream 2 (CSRIF)
Dear Minister,
I am writing on behalf of the Southern Ontario Cricket Association (SOCA), a vibrant sports organization
deeply committed to the development and promotion of cricket in our community in support of the City
of Kitchener and their application for funding support through CSRIF — Stream 2
SOCA is located in Waterloo Region with 45 hardball cricket and 22 softball cricket teams in our league.
In addition to that we have 34 children in our non-profit cricket academy trained to be future sports
persons and utilize all four cricket fields within the City of Kitchener.
The anticipation surrounding the construction of a quad gymnasium with the potential for two cricket
batting cages has generated immense excitement amongst our members.
The cricket batting cages will provide invaluable training opportunities for aspiring cricketers. Access to
such dedicated training facilities is crucial for honing skills and nurturing talent, ultimately enhancing the
quality of our local cricket teams. As an organization, we believe that this initiative will significantly
contribute to the growth and well-being of our community in several ways.
Furthermore, having access to a facility of this nature will be transformative for the growth and
development of cricket in our community. It will provide a conducive environment for coaching, practice
matches, and tournaments, thereby attracting more individuals to the sport and nurturing a new
generation of cricket enthusiasts.
Thank you for considering our input, and we look forward to your favorable decision.
Sincerely,
Giridhar Bannaravuri
President
Southern Ontario Cricket Association
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