Sarnia City Council has voted 6-3 to override Mayor Mike Bradley’s veto, reinstating a $4.1-million funding commitment for the community-driven Sarnia BACE recreation campus.
The Sarnia BACE project is officially back in the city’s 2026 budget plans after a decisive vote at City Hall on Monday. Council voted 6-3 to override Mayor Mike Bradley’s recent veto, restoring a commitment to finance $4.1 million toward the proposed recreation campus.
The motion to override was brought forward by Councillor Brian White. It required a two-thirds majority to pass, a threshold just met by the six councillors who reaffirmed their support: White, Bill Dennis, Anne Marie Gillis, Adam Kilner, Chrissy McRoberts, and George Vandenberg. Mayor Bradley, along with councillors Terry Burrell and Dave Boushy, opposed the motion.
This vote marks a significant turning point for the project, which had been placed in jeopardy earlier this month. Mayor Bradley had exercised his "strong mayor" powers to veto the funding on December 5, citing concerns over rising municipal debt and a lack of due diligence regarding the proposed Michigan Avenue site.
However, the majority of council signalled that the potential benefits of the facility outweighed the fiscal risks highlighted by the mayor.
“This vote is a powerful affirmation of the work that so many people in our community have put into this vision,” said Kendel Ross, Project Coordinator and Athletic Advisor for Sarnia BACE. “Council’s decision confirms that Sarnia BACE is moving forward and that the City sees the importance of investing in inclusive, year-round recreation opportunities.”
The project, formally known as the Bluewater Active Connected Community (BACE), aims to build a multi-use campus featuring indoor domes and turf. Advocates argue it will fill a critical gap in local recreation, providing dependable year-round space for sports clubs and families.
The restored funding is part of a larger financial picture. Sarnia BACE has secured pledge agreements for its $5-million capital campaign, including $1 million from the Mike Weir Foundation and $1 million from the Lockwood Foundation. Both donations are contingent on the project meeting specific approvals and conditions.
Despite the override, the path forward involves further scrutiny. The $4.1 million is slated for the 2026 budget, giving city staff and council time to examine the project's structure, partnerships, and implementation details before money is spent.
For the BACE team, the decision provides the momentum needed to continue discussions with government partners and stakeholders.
Mayor Bradley has stated he respects the outcome of the vote, though he maintains his concerns about the city’s financial trajectory. This was the first budget cycle in which he utilized the strong mayor powers granted by the province.
The project team expressed gratitude to the community for its sustained advocacy.
“The Sarnia BACE team looks forward to continuing its collaborative work with the City as the project advances into its next phase,” the group said in a statement.
