What is the Recreation Complex Project?

The Recreation Complex to serve as the community hub for recreation and culture for our growing community and surrounding areas. The Township of Russell has been working on the project since the 2015 Recreation Master Plan, which identified an interest for this type of multi-use facility.

Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities

After years of working on the future recreation complex project, we are now at one of the most important stages: involving the community. Find all the ways you can be involved below. 

The Concept Plan of the future Recreation Complex provides you with an idea of what is being planned for the area.

The Concept Plan includes Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the project. See our "Project Phases" section for what to expect in each phase.

Will the Recreation Complex have a pool and arena?

At this time, Council have approved we move forward with Phase 1 of the project, which is the design and construction of two basketball courts, two tennis courts, and the Jonathan Pitre Park (with accessible structures and senior exercise equipment).

Other amenities (arenas, indoor pool, or other) will be subject to community feedback in 2021 as part of Phase 2. Council will have final approval of which amenities will move to construction, being Phase 3 of the project.

Project Phases

The future Recreation Complex is planned into four phases.

Project Updates

Project Update: December 8, 2020

• On December 7, 2020, Council approved to move forward with the creation of the schematic design of the future Recreation Complex.
• The schematic design involves the structural, interior, and exterior finishes of the building site, but does not include which amenities will be on the inside.

Project update: August 7, 2020

• On August 7, 2020, the Township received a response for the grant under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation Stream. Our request was not accepted by the provincial government.
• Despite this refusal, the Township administration continues to work on this project and explore various options in order to continue planning for this future complex.

Project update: November 8, 2019

• In August, the government announced a grant under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation Stream, which offers the potential to cover up to 75% of new recreation project costs, up to $50 million in funding.
• On November 8th, the Township applied for this funding to cover a significant portion of costs for the Multi-Use Recreation Complex Project. To maximize the application, the facility proposed included all amenities possible from the consultant's report to Council.
• The grant must be approved in a two-tier application process; first to be approved at the provincial level and then at the federal level. The Township expects to receive a decision of approval from the Province in spring 2020, and a decision from the Federal government by the end of summer 2020.
• In either scenario, the results of the application will come to Council for discussion. In the scenario that the funding for the full recreation complex facility design is not approved, Council will discuss which features (arena, pool, etc.) will be prioritized for the project. Council will also explore public engagement opportunities before a decision is made.

Project update: August 2019

• Colliers Group presented a high -level cost estimate for the future Multi-Use Recreational Center at the Special Council Meeting of August 20th 2019 (PR 24-2019).
• Their report consisted of different combinations of a twin -pad/triple -pad arena, auditorium and swimming pool.
• Watch the feed from the August 20th 2019 Special Council Meeting to discuss the Recreation Complex here.

Project update: June 2019

• After the administration met with three separate firms to consult the Township on this project, Council approved for the administration to work with Colliers Group as per the administration's request (PR 16-2019).
• The administration will submit a new report in August 2019 to present next steps; timelines; different options/combinations of facilities; site plan; and financial strategy.