Imagine a beloved landmark, a symbol of community pride, facing the threat of deterioration. That's the story of the iconic Bondar Pavilion tent in Sault Ste. Marie, whose very fabric is in need of urgent repair. But here's the good news: a substantial $858,080 grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., announced during Monday's city council meeting, will ensure its membrane seams are meticulously re-stitched, preserving this waterfront treasure for generations to come.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bondar Pavilion's restoration is one of eight exciting projects unveiled at the meeting, all part of a $1.7 million initiative to revitalize outdoor recreation and park spaces. The city is footing half the bill, with Virginia McLeod, the city's manager of culture and recreation, outlining the plans in a detailed report for Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and councillors.
Here’s the full lineup of transformations:
- Playground Overhauls: Wilcox Park and Manitou Park will get a complete makeover, featuring new equipment, inclusive play features, comfortable seating, and a blend of wood fiber and rubber surfacing. Wilcox Park will also see its former tennis courts transformed into a versatile multisport court.
- Dog Park Expansion: A brand-new dog park is on the horizon, offering furry friends a dedicated space to play.
- Solar Lighting Upgrade: The Strathclair dog park will shine brighter and safer with the installation of solar lighting, extending its operating hours.
- Strathclair Complex Revamp: One ball diamond will get new poles and energy-efficient lighting, upgraded batter boxes, and solar lighting in the parking lot.
- Manzo Pool Refresh: New windows will be installed to enhance the facility.
- Greco Pool Washroom Upgrades: Accessible washrooms, new partitions, and modernized change rooms will improve visitor comfort.
- Manzo Park Inclusive Playground: A new playground will feature inclusive equipment, sensory components, rubber surfacing, paved paths, and additional amenities.
- Bondar Park Repairs: Beyond the tent membrane seams, flooring in both the Bondar and Bellevue marina buildings will be updated.
But here's where it gets controversial: The North Street ball diamond, originally slated for new lighting in 2023, is now seeing a shift in plans. McLeod explained that while the old lights are being removed, staff recommend relocating the new lighting to Strathclair Park. This move, they argue, will boost operational efficiency and better support tournaments. Is this the best use of resources, or should the original plan have been honored?
The 2023 capital budget allocated $210,000 for replacing eight high-bay lights at North Street, but staff are now requesting that the remaining funds be reallocated to Strathclair. Does this reallocation make sense, or is it a missed opportunity for North Street?
Another highlight is the Greco Pool washroom upgrade, where seven outdated toilets will be replaced with water-efficient models, promising significant water conservation and cost savings. But is this enough to address the broader sustainability challenges our community faces?
These projects are more than just upgrades—they're investments in our community's quality of life. What do you think? Are these the right priorities, or is there something else our city should focus on? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of Sault Ste. Marie!
