Sarnia BACE clears final hurdles as council overrides veto to fund landmark recreation campus

Sarnia BACE is moving from a decade of planning into reality as a year-round recreation campus designed to bridge the region’s gap in indoor sports infrastructure. This community-driven project will transform underused land into a vibrant hub featuring sports domes, a pedestrian-friendly campus, and social spaces for all ages.

The long-awaited vision for a year-round recreation hub in Sarnia has begun its next phase after a decisive city council vote cleared the way for multi-million dollar funding. Despite a budget veto from Mayor Mike Bradley, a 6-3 council majority voted to restore $4.1 million in borrowing for the Sarnia Bluewater Active Connect Engage (BACE) campus, ending a decade of stalled discussions.

The project, which has been identified as a critical regional need since at least 2022, aims to transform underused land on Michigan Avenue into a vibrant campus featuring three large domes, outdoor fields, and a community hub. Proponents argue the facility will finally address a glaring infrastructure gap; a 2022 feasibility study found that 87% of residents cite a lack of facilities as a primary barrier to participation in sports. Sarnia-Lambton currently falls well below provincial norms for indoor turf, tracks, and gymnasiums.

"It is difficult not to become passionate about Sarnia BACE once you know what it is offering to the community," said Dr. Shamel Hosni, a structural engineer and Sarnia BACE Advisory Board member. "I was happy to see that a majority on council so believed in the transformation that Sarnia BACE will bring to the community that they were willing to overrule the mayoral strong power veto. It is a testament to council being true to their calling, being a voice for the community that has been calling for such a facility for over a decade."

The financial model for the campus is built on sustainability, aiming for break-even operations while generating an estimated $1.7 million in annual output for the local economy. Beyond the municipal contribution, the project has already secured $2 million in private commitments from the Mike Weir Foundation and the Lockwood Foundation.

"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 that support health, wellness, community connection and economic vitality," said Kendel Ross, project coordinator and athletic advisor.

The campus design prioritizes a "pedestrian spine" and a lighted loop trail to ensure families and walkers can navigate the area safely away from active play zones. Plans include a central community hub with meeting rooms and a café overlooking the sports domes, creating a social anchor that extends beyond athletics.

"We envision this facility becoming a vibrant, inclusive hub that supports an active community for all offering flexible spaces and programs for different ages, interests, and ability levels," said Rima Rizkallah, an advisory board member and seasoned energy sector executive. "It will give individuals, teams, families a place to stay active, connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging."

As the project shifts toward construction, it remains powered by a dedicated volunteer base. The group has already applied for charitable and not-for-profit status to manage the design and daily operations. Four major local sports clubs have already committed to relocating their memberships to the new campus once it opens.

For many, the move represents a shift from "official spin" to tangible progress. For years, regional "leakage" has seen families driving to London or Windsor for indoor training and tournaments. By keeping those events local, the BACE campus is expected to stabilize family routines and keep recreation spending within the community.

"The Sarnia BACE has assembled a strong team of volunteers to spearhead its development from vision to reality," Hosni added. "This relieves council of the responsibility to drive the project. They just need to believe in it and support it financially and procedurally."