Brighton must decide on the future of its recreation facilities

The Municipality of Brighton is in the early stages of looking at what the future of recreation will look like for the town.

At Monday’s meeting, council received a feasibility study on what a redeveloped multi-use indoor recreation facility would like.

Mayor Brian Ostrander says the current facilities at King Edward Park, including the arena and curling club, are aged and will need updating.

The study considered replacing the current setup but Ostrander says the feeling is that people want that and more.

“The conversation around the table was, you know, that’s probably not good enough. What we need to see is what does it cost to both replace and expand what we have today. So, yes we need an ice surface. Yes, we need a curling rink but we also want to know what it’s going to cost to add aquatics to the mix and the gymnasium and meeting space.”

A second ice pad could also be added and increased parking is a must.

Ostrander notes a few upgrades have already been done including the replacement of some of the refrigeration equipment.

He says those can be transferred to any new development.

“Really we’re at the very first stages of this concept and what council wants to do is make sure that we have all the information we need in order to go back to the people of Brighton and say, what are we willing to pay for? And what does that look like in terms of fundraising versus taxation, etc.

Ostrander adds that a pool is one of the most requested items he’s been hearing from the community.

“The one thing about aquatics is it’s a cradle-to-grave kind of recreational opportunity. You know, everybody can use it. And you know, it’s the one thing I’ve heard for the last, probably 20 years, folks in Brighton want a pool.”

Staff have been asked to provide council with costs for the options council might want to consider.

The staff report is expected to go before the next term of council.