A proposed sport and activity centre in Sarnia is one step closer to fruition after a local family donated the full parcel of land required for the project.
The Curran family had previously committed a significant portion of land behind the Goodwill on Michigan Avenue for the development of Sarnia BACE, but has since fully secured the site by donating a total of 27 acres.
“Our family has always believed in supporting the community that has supported us through the years," said Chris Curran in a statement. "This project represents an important investment in the health, well-being, and future of our community, and we are honoured to contribute to something that will benefit generations to come. We believe strongly in the vision for this centre, and we have great confidence in its leadership.”
Sarnia BACE President Ken MacAlpine said the Curran family's generous contribution means the project can move forward more quickly, and funds committed through the city's 2026 budget will not be needed for the land purchase.
During budget deliberations, council passed an amendment to finance $4.1 million in 2026 to support the project, with the understanding that the city is going to continue investigating plans.
The proposed development will include indoor and outdoor recreational amenities.
MacAlpine told Sarnia News Today the public response to the project has been "overwhelming."
"There is an incredible need within our community for a multi-use sports complex, which has no barriers of entry, and is available to all," he said.
MacAlpine said the group will need to obtain zoning permits, they're in the middle of doing a traffic study and are compiling a report for the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
"We will be presenting it to the MECP in the next 10 days or so. We do not see any reason that they will not proceed with what we're doing, it just takes a little bit of time," he said. "Once we have the zoning and the other requirements in place, we will launch our capital campaign."
As previously reported, the Mike Weir Foundation has pledged $1 million to the project, and the Lockwood Foundation has also committed $1 million.
It's hoped shovels can go into the ground by the spring of 2027.
Sarnia BACE members will attend Monday's city council meeting to provide an update and request a reallocation of funds, approximately $2.4 million, to go toward development and permitting costs.
"The city had already committed to supporting BACE to this level; the land donation has changed the form that support needs to take, not the spirit of it," read a delegation request included in the council agenda. "This is not a new ask; it is a reallocation of a commitment already made, and one that still leaves the city meaningfully ahead of where it stood before the donation."
In addition to redirecting a portion of the committed funds, city council will be asked to direct staff to sign an agreement with Sarnia BACE to begin the release of said funding.
Monday's council meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in council chambers.
