Township mulls uses, upgrades for Mount Forest Community Centre

KENILWORTH – Wellington North will use a phased approach as it considers upgrades and future uses at the Mount Forest Community Centre.

An updated report on the building was discussed by council on Jan. 13. 

The township’s former Mount Forest and District Community Centre, located at 320 King St. E., has been under a lease agreement with Mount Forest Victory Church since August 2009, states the report. 

The facility is a “cornerstone of the township’s infrastructure and has been a vital hub for the local community for many years,” adds the report. 

The lease agreement between the township and Victory Church expired on Dec. 31.  Council has been receiving various updates as it relates to the facility. 

In 2024, town staff, in consultation with several contractors, conducted a preliminary review of the building, including:

  • site visits with fire, recreation, infrastructure and community and economic;
  • development staff;
  • preliminary building condition assessment;
  • plumbing, HVAC and electrical report;
  • hazardous material survey report; and
  • repairs to doors, locks, security system and minor capital.

“Based on the preliminary findings, staff are proposing a phased approached to addressing the work needed to be completed … in order to develop a plan to move forward,” states the report. 

Safety and security of the building are paramount, as it hasn’t been under the township’s management for “quite some time,” stated township CAO Brooke Lambert. 

Phase one focuses on safety and security with a completion timeline of January to April. 

Immediate priorities include:

  • replacing structural beams;
  • replacing door parts and installing new locks on doors;
  • enhancing out lighting;
  • updating the security system;
  • upgrading fire suppression systems;
  • installing emergency lights;
  • installing Wightman telecom (phone and wifi);
  • conducting facility clean-up;
  • updating facility drawings;
  • completing minor facility repairs and maintenance;
  • updating signage; and
  • heating, water and hydro bills to return to the township.

Phase two focuses on allowing both council and the public to share ideas about what is needed and allow staff to consider feedback for the planning process. This is scheduled to begin in April and end in July. 

Following the public consultation period, phase three will begin. Including the development of budget options for council’s consideration, it will run from August to December. 

Based on council’s preferred option, staff will then proceed with phase four. 

“It is envisioned that this phase will further detail the needs for the facility and further refine budget requirements,” states the report. This stage is set to begin in January 2026 and continue into October. 

The final stage covers the needed renovations anticipated to be completed in 2026/27.  The facility is set to be open for public use in early 2027. 

Funding 

According to the report, $75,000 was assigned from the township’s 2024 capital budget to complete phase one and two of the plan. An estimated total of $50,000 to $100,000 may be taken from the 2025 operating budget. 

“There is really minimal usage of the facility at this point so we are not sure what the operating piece will be,” Lambert told the Advertiser in a Jan. 16 email. 

“For now, we will look for savings within our approved operating budget, but we should have better numbers later in the year and can revise the budget at that time, with council’s approval.”

She explained the operating expenses will also depend on what the vision is for the facility.

“It should be of note that this does not include potential staffing impacts, which will largely be determined by the use of the building and if grant funding is available,” states the report. 

Depending on the outcome of the initial phases, additional capital requests may be presented to council. 

Council comments

“What kind of future use do you think this structure has or can be used for?” asked councillor Steve McCabe. 

“That’s part of what this report is looking to address at a later phase,” replied Lambert. “We know that there’s some potential use depending on what the community wants and what council wants.”

She explained staff have received inquiries about the structure, so there is interest in it. The building is being used primarily for pickleball, with some day camp programs as well. 

Councillor Lisa Hern brought up a discussion surrounding the facility’s name and the confusion it creates regarding the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex. 

“I’m thinking that at least exploring a distinct, cool name might be a lot more clear for a lot of people and a real opportunity to rebrand this facility,” said Hern. 

Mayor Andy Lennox joked about naming the facility the “Pickleball Palace,” to laughter from council members.

Council approved the report, the phased work-plan and general timelines outlined. 

Council also directed staff to review anticipated capital and operating costs for the Mount Forest Community Centre and report back on anticipated requirements in 2025.

Reporter