Council votes to upgrade James Jerome Sports Complex

City council has decided to allocate $525,598 in funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) to complete phase two of the James Jerome Sports Complex instead of using the money to add a roof to the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.

City staff clarified the money from the NOHFC could be used for either project. A report dated March 31, 2010 by staff stated the grant “as an available funding source for the future canopy roof of the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.” The $525,598 would cover 22 per cent of the funding to build the roof. The report further states “given the demand for the use of the new fields at James Jerome, it is recommended that the NOHFC funds be utilized to fully realize the completion of the James Jerome Sports Complex, including Phase 2 components.”

Ward 10 Coun. Frances Caldarelli said she was against the motion. She said she thinks the money should be used to put a roof on the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.

“I know that the field house is important to many people,” she said. “But I also know that this money was originally to be used for the amphitheatre. If we don't put a roof on now, it will be 20 years and we'll still be talking about it.”

Ward 8 Coun. Fabio Belli said he agrees the money should be used to finish phase two of the project, and suggested council consider looking into a water-proof bubble be constructed over the field to protect it.

“This is something we're now using 7 to 8 months of the year and it's something than can be used 12 months of the year,” he said. “I'm not asking we make a decision on this (the bubble). I'm asking council to investigate an opportunity here to move forward and bring something to this community I think is a dire need down the road.”

Ward 5 Coun. Ron Dupuis said he supported the motion, but only if planning would be done to ensure the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre project would be completed.

“These two projects are both excellent and are both revenue generating for our community,” he said. “If $525,598 is going to finish the James Jerome field then we should do it and finish it and start working on a plan to put the roof up at the Graced Hartman amphitheatre.”

Phase two of the James Jerome Sports Complex will be used to construct a new building to provide accessible washrooms, dressing rooms, storage facilities and additional site improvements.

The motion was carried with three councillors voting against it including Caldarelli, Ward 6 Coun. André Rivest, and Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann.