A new recreation centre is one step closer to reality.
Springwater Township council approved the $3.8-million purchase of a 50-acre parcel of land from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
Land acquisition negotiations began in 2018 for the Hasty Tract of land on Bayfield Street North, at 1132 Snow Valley Rd., which was determined to be the best site for a new fire station.
The project was subject to a Class B Environmental Assessment (EA) for the MNRF and was determined to have no significant adverse environmental effects.
An archaeological investigation and consultations with First Nations was initiated once the EA was finalized and it was completed in April 2020.
“Phase 1 development for the Community Hub (Hasty Tract) is anticipated to commence in 2021, subject to council approval,” Springwater chief administrative officer Jeff Schmidt said in an email, adding staff hopes to report to council about details of the development of the property in April.
The new fire station, including a training area and Simcoe County paramedic site, will be among the first structures built.
Plans for a multi-use recreation centre, including a library, an arena and skating rinks will follow.
Cheryl Browne, Local Journalism Initiative, Barrie Advance
