Essex town council narrowly approved an application for up to $5.2 million in federal funding to advance the next phase of the $13-million Essex Centre Sport Fields project, during a 5-3 vote Monday night. The funding would come from the federal Build Communities Stronger Fund, with the town covering remaining costs through investment income, development charges, parkland reserves, and long-term debt.
Phase 1 completion and Phase 2 plans
Phase 1 of the project was completed with the help of a $750,000 federal grant, which funded six soccer fields, drainage infrastructure, retention ponds, and an access road. The proposed Phase 2 would add site servicing, a multi-use baseball diamond, parking and access roads, lighting, and design work.
Coun. Rodney Hammond, representing Ward 4 which includes Harrow, expressed difficulty in justifying the $13-million total investment to his constituents. "I'm having a hard time selling a $13-million commitment to the taxpayers of Harrow," Hammond told council. "Unless they're going to be utilizing it — it's a no sale."
Council divided on benefits
Not all council members shared Hammond's reservations. Ward 1 Coun. Katie McGuire-Blais argued that the federal grant application represented an opportunity the town could not afford to miss. "It's a great opportunity for us to apply for additional funding from the federal government," she said. "These opportunities aren't coming at us right, left and centre."
Ward 1 Coun. Joe Garon highlighted the project's potential to boost local recreation. "I'm still a firm believer that if we get some people playing on that field, it'll just generate more interest in league play, not only from Essex Ward 1, but from outside our ward and even outside our town," Garon said.
Mayor defends project as long-standing need
Mayor Sherry Bondy, who has served on council since 2010, said the project addresses recreation needs identified in the town's parks and recreation master plan, particularly in Essex Centre. She noted that the property has seen limited activity since acquisition and emphasized the convenience of having facilities closer to residents. "Anybody can use any fields anywhere, anybody can use any pool, any park," Bondy said. "But as a busy mom, if you live in one area, it's really convenient to bring your kids to minor soccer or minor baseball five minutes down the road, rather than a half an hour down the road."
Bondy said Essex Ward 1 has historically lacked ball diamonds and soccer fields compared to other areas, and called the federal funding application a strong opportunity. "I think this is a stellar application. I'm thrilled to support it," she said. Should the funding request be denied, administration will return to council with options for moving the project forward.
