Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - A new privately-funded recreational facility in Middlesex Centre is being proposed for Medway Rd. between Arva and Ballymote.
Plans are in the very early stages, but already it’s drawing strong feelings from local residents and people in the sports community.
The 3-storey facility would have just under 300 square feet of floor space. The proposed amenities include a full-sized indoor soccer field, two half-sized soccer fields, indoor basketball and volleyball. As well there would be 10 pickleball courts, padel tennis courts, a running track batting cages and a golf studio. Additionally, there would be restaurants and a hotel to accommodate out-of-town facility users.
The plan went to Middlesex Centre council at its June 17th meeting for information only. Before any shovels are in the ground, there would have to be public consultation on a number of issues including rezoning. The land is currently zoned agricultural.
A number of speakers appeared before council, including planners involved in the proposal.
“It fills a missing gap (…) in Middlesex Centre. Families are currently travelling from outside the municipality into London and other regions to get their sports needs. And local teams are having troubles to find space for their practices,” said planner Adam Lagrou from the firm Monteith Brown. “It’s going to be more than just a sports facility. It’s going to be a community hub where people can come together… You can have children practicing sports, and grandma and grandpa watch and go play pickleball after,” added Lagrou.
Several area residents appeared before council in opposition to the proposal. “As the adjacent property owner, I am (…) deeply concerned about the day to day impact on my home and quality of life. A development combining recreation, restaurants, retail, and entertainment and overnight accommodations will inevitably generate 24-hour noise, traffic, lighting, deliveries and activity,” said Lois Quaill who lives on Medway Rd.
Concerns were also raised about the number of vehicles it would bring to the area. “The level of traffic on Medway Road is already seriously impacted by the volume of construction that’s happening in Thorndale,” said Barton Auden who lives on Medway Rd.
Supporters of the facility also spoke to council. “There is a shortage of year-round recreational space… It’s a very ambitious proposal but it provides space that doesn’t exist,” said Ilderton resident Todd Copeland.
There was a mix of opinions from members of council. “I think we can’t ignore what this brings to our community… I get asked all the time ‘can we get more pickleball?’” said Ward 4 Councillor Sue Cates.
Ward 2 Councillor Wayne Shipley expressed opposition. “I don’t want to give up farmland. I think that’s the wrong thing to be doing,” said Shipley “This to me is not the location for this development,” added Shipley.
