For years, Sarnia residents have known what’s missing: adequate year-round space to stay active and connected. A 2022 City-commissioned study confirmed this, but the call to “think beyond the rink” has largely sat on a shelf.
For years, Sarnia residents have known what's missing: adequate year-round space to stay active and connected. A 2022 City-commissioned study confirmed this, but the call to "think beyond the rink" has largely sat on a shelf.
Now, a community-driven group has stepped forward with a comprehensive plan, asking the city to be a partner, not the sole provider. The Sarnia BACE (Bluewater Active Connected Community) project is being presented as a "made-in-Sarnia solution" to a long-identified need.
As The Observer reported, advocates led by Ken MacAlpine are formally asking city council for a $10 million investment to be included in the 2026 budget. This request follows a $100,000 seed funding grant from the city in May, which was used to complete necessary environmental and traffic studies for the proposed site on Michigan Avenue.
Proponents argue this isn't a typical funding request. The BACE model represents a "new way of working together." The project is structured as a not-for-profit, meaning the city shares in the benefits of a modern recreation hub "without bearing the full responsibility or risk of a municipally operated complex."
The group emphasizes that a municipal investment starting in 2026 would be used to "leverage significant provincial and federal funding," turning one local dollar into several through partnership.
The 2022 feasibility study highlighted the urgency of this gap. It found 94% of individuals surveyed believed an indoor multi-use facility should be a high priority for council. Perhaps more tellingly, the study found nearly two-thirds of residents can't access indoor recreation as often as they'd like, and 64% currently travel outside of Sarnia to play or train—taking their dollars with them.
The proposed Sarnia BACE is designed to directly meet these needs. Phase 1 includes three large domes for adaptable turf and multi-court layouts, a community hub with studios and meeting rooms, and outdoor fields and trails.
This initiative is the culmination of a decade-long community effort. The push for such a facility began as far back as 2014 by groups like Sarnia FC. That momentum was carried forward by a 2019 resident petition and the subsequent 2022 feasibility study, which confirmed the community's need before the project stalled.
Now, that vision is being carried by a powerful new coalition. The BACE project is supported by Sarnia's major user groups, including Sarnia FC, the Pickleball Club, the Tennis Club, and the Bluewater Cycling Organization. Together, these groups represent "thousands of local families and volunteers."
The project's supporters are framing this as a pivotal moment for Sarnia. As their proposal states, "Supporting the Sarnia BACE is not just about building a facility; it’s about investing in the health, pride, and future of our city."
With the land available, the partnerships in place, and the community demand proven, the group is looking to council to provide the "collective commitment… to take the next step together."
