Collingwood Town Council voted on August 10 to buy a 37-acre property at 725 Tenth Line for a future multi-use recreation facility. The site, which once was planned for the Red Maple subdivision, is the top choice among five locations studied by the town.
The property offers about 34 acres of buildable land. It can hold a building of up to 245,000 square feet. That is enough space for a possible future satellite branch of the Collingwood Public Library.
The by-law passed with only Deputy Mayor Tim Fryer opposed. Mayor Yvonne Hamlin said the site is “the best place” for the facility. Councillor Kathy Jeffery added a change to keep other options open if servicing problems slow the project.
The purchase price will stay private until the deal closes. That is expected by the end of 2026, but it needs court approval because a sales officer was appointed under the Ontario Business Corporations Act.
The town has $3 million in a reserve fund from the 2021 sale of COLLUS and the regional airport. Another $4.9 million sits in a development charge reserve for indoor recreation. Both funds can help pay for the land.
The site is near Fisher Fields, existing neighbourhoods, and the neighbouring municipalities of The Blue Mountains and Clearview Township. That location could lead to regional partnerships for shared recreation services.
Council looked at five sites using 23 factors in eight categories. The MURF Steering Committee took part the whole way. Sports groups have pushed for this facility for years, saying they often must book ice time in other towns.
More recreation options are now one step closer. A staff report says planning will move forward as the sale conditions are met.
