The inclusion of an outdoor pool into Sarnia's Germain Park draft master plan would cost the city about $6-million, but that's far cheaper than an indoor option.
The figure was shared with council at its meeting on Monday.
When questioned about the high cost, General Manager of Community Services Stacey Forfar said it's a relatively cost-effective option.
"We don't have specific costing for an indoor pool, we didn't look at that," said Forfar. "But, I can share that the City of Kingston looked at one last year for an aquatics centre and it was going to cost $75-million-plus."
The revised document leaves room for the existing five baseball diamonds, but removes the proposed Multi-Use Recreational Facility (MURF).
Mayor Mike Bradley said he still wants to explore the feasibility of the MURF.
"We dealt with this issue a few weeks ago, and eliminated the possibility of a multi-use complex, because there were only three properties left. We spent close to $75,000 to $100,000 to do that diligence. We should at least put that back in for consideration and then you can deal with it," he said. "By leaving it out, that means that if the other two sites don't make it then we technically don't have any sites. We spent a lot of money on the diligence and that's why that site showed up. We need to keep our options open as we go through this whole Germain Park process."
Councillor Terry Burrell expressed concerns about the drainage on the soccer fields with the proposed parking lot structure.
"The road that's going to be going in there is probably higher than the pitches," said Burrell. "I'm concerned that might increase the tendency to flooding for those soccer players who want to play in those areas. In doing this overall project, we have to be cognizant of the fact that there is flooding in this area for a lot of homes. We really have to make sure we're looking after our own water and, if possible, providing some help to those areas also."
Forfar said proper drainage would be something included in the design phase, and there would be a couple of options based on cost.
Other amenities included in phase one of the plan are dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, a multi-use court for basketball and ice skating, the creation of a permanent, year-round, off-leash dog area, washroom, parking and plaza improvements.
City staff will return to council with cost estimates and a phasing plan for consideration as part of the 2024 capital budget process.
Council also voted to advance the conceptual design for the Strangway Centre Gym addition and building upgrade project.
Staff has been instructed to return to council with a proposed design, location on the site, features and amenities, and an operating plan for the community centre that could see it open for use daily when the gym becomes available.