Cambridge council voted to support the construction of a soccer complex that will contain two synthetic turfs, one synthetic dual-sport turf for soccer and rugby and four natural turf soccer fields.
Along with that, council also approved a request to alter the heritage designated property known as 880 Linden Dr., the address for the upcoming recreation area.
The approved plan will allow Cambridge to pen a partnership with Conestoga College, which had requested the upgrades to include a rugby turf. As a result, the college also agreed to foot the bill for the extra ask.
The full plan will cost $13.7 million, an amount that is more than what was budgeted for the project. The additional costs will be covered with $1.5 million coming from Conestoga College and $1.9 million from a combination of development charges capital works reserve fund.
"We would really like to be part of this project," said John Tibbits, of Conestoga College. "I think it would add a lot of value for our students and to the community. We would see this as another part of growing the relationship with Cambridge. We're a key player in economic and social development. We know more and more that sports and athletics are very important for youth, especially in this time."
As well, Andrew Bates, manager of atheltics and recreation with Conestoga College, said this would help in collaborations between different user groups and the college.
"There could be a lot of creative ways we could co-create and facilitate programs that would benefit user groups," he said. "We have a wealth of programs ranging from athletic therapy to strength conditioning to health and wellness. That's one way our department could contribute."
Derek Bridgman, of Cambridge Youth Soccer, also joined the conversation as a delegate.
"If soccer and other field sports are going to continue to grow and thrive in the community this facility is a necessity for the city," he said. "The current model of sharing with school boards does not work as there are too many maintenance issues with summer use of WRDSB (Waterloo Region District School Board) and WRCSB (Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board) properties."
Bridgman also pointed out the economic spinoffs that would come to Cambridge as a host for major tournaments.
It was not hard to convince council to support the project.
"I love the design and layout," said Coun. Jan Liggett. "I think it's going to look really really well from Fountain Street and Limerick (Road). As an upstream project to some of the problems that could come down the road with youth of today, this is an upstream activity that could stop youth from ending up where we would not want to see them."
The complex will also include a 6,500 square foot service building with public and universal washrooms, change rooms, multi-purpose space, staff room and equipment storage, 16 accessible and 299 standard parking spaces, pathways and trails, and an open lawn area for warm-up/training.
Following council endorsement, the project moves to the design development phase, which includes a stage two environmental impact study and the site plan application process. The soccer complex is anticipated to open for public use in spring of 2023.
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