“This page is a developing record of the Westshore Recreation Centre / Severn Sports Dome proposal. Information is based on publicly available Township reports, agendas and Council minutes. It will be updated as further information and decisions become available.”
Understanding the Proposal
The Township of Severn has been considering a major recreational facility for the Westshore area for more than ten years.
Originally proposed as a larger recreation complex, the project has undergone several changes as construction costs, funding opportunities and affordability have been examined.
In 2026, Township staff explored an alternative: a recreational sports dome and field house. The intention was to provide indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities at a lower construction cost than the original facility design.
This page follows the proposal, its financial implications, Council decisions and what happens next.
Where Things Stand
Current position based on the latest Council decision verified in the available records: the latest decision we have verified was July 15, 2026, and that the September 16 motion’s outcome has not yet been confirmed.
On July 15, 2026, Council referred the Sports Dome proposal to the Mayor for consideration in the 2027 budget, directed staff to explore partnership opportunities and decided that no further capital work should be undertaken at that time.
A further grant-funding motion appeared on the September 16, 2026 Council agenda. The outcome of that motion and any subsequent Council decisions still need to be verified before a current status can be confirmed.
The proposal should not be described as approved for construction.
How Did We Get Here?
The Westshore Recreation Facility has been under consideration for more than a decade.
Original plans were completed in 2017. The Township’s 2022 Recreation Master Plan subsequently identified Westshore as a location for a major indoor and outdoor recreation hub.
An updated facility design was undertaken in 2023 and 2024, incorporating zero-carbon building initiatives. However, projected construction costs increased significantly.
By February 2026, the estimated cost of that facility had reached approximately $14.17 million.
Township staff began investigating a smaller sports dome and field house as an alternative.
What Is Being Proposed?
The July 2026 design described an approximately 60,000-square-foot facility, including:
- A nine-versus-nine soccer field, capable of being divided into two fields.
- Four pickleball courts.
- Basketball, volleyball and badminton facilities.
- An indoor walking track.
- A fitness area.
- A 5,000-square-foot field house with community space, change rooms, storage and staff facilities.
- Parking and landscaping.
The proposed facility is intended to provide recreational opportunities throughout the year.
What Could It Cost?
The July 2026 staff report estimated the capital construction cost at approximately $10.98 million, with a proposed project budget of $11 million.
The report also estimated annual operating expenses of $451,000 and annual revenues of $255,000, leaving a projected annual operating shortfall of $196,000.
These are estimates prepared for Council’s consideration. They are not confirmed final construction or operating costs.
Where Would the Money Come From?
Development charges, municipal reserves, borrowing, grants and other funding opportunities have all formed part of the financial discussion.
Development charges are fees collected from new development to help pay for eligible growth-related infrastructure.
Staff estimated that approximately $2.8 million to $3 million of the indexed project cost could be eligible for recovery through development charges under the existing study methodology.
The remaining costs would require other funding sources, potentially including municipal reserves, borrowing or property taxes.
The actual funding arrangement has not been finalized.
What Has Council Decided?
February 4, 2026
Council approved $150,000 for the design of a Sports Dome/Field House on the Westshore Recreation property and directed staff to seek architectural design services.
July 15, 2026
Council considered the completed design report and the proposed $11-million project budget.
Council decided to refer the current proposal to the Mayor for consideration in the 2027 budget, directed staff to explore partnership opportunities and directed that no further capital work be undertaken at that time.
September 16, 2026
A further notice of motion was listed concerning new provincial grant funding. It proposed applying to the Community, Sports and Infrastructure Fund and reconsidering the earlier decision to refer the proposal to the 2027 budget.
The outcome of this motion requires confirmation from the official meeting minutes.
What Happens Next?
The outstanding questions include:
- Will the proposal be considered as part of the 2027 municipal budget?
- Will additional grant funding be pursued or secured?
- Are partnership opportunities available?
- What funding arrangement would be required to proceed?
- Will Council authorize further design or construction work?
These questions will be updated as official decisions and reports become available.
Official Documents and Sources
The following Township documents provide the original information behind this summary.
- Official links to use on the page
These are the direct links I’ve located:
