The neighbourhood of Iron Bridge will soon be getting a new outdoor recreation facility.  

Now designated as a nonprofit, the Iron Bridge Community Association will be responsible for the cost of construction and operations of the facility.  

The first proposal was brought before council in January, and now a construction and licensing agreement have been approved.  

Director of parks and recreation, Derek Blais detailed key terms from the agreement in council chambers on Monday night. 

“It's a 10-year term which automatically renews year after year. After the expiration of that 10 years, the written agreement is renegotiated or terminated.” 

“When it comes to land Improvements and facility construction, the association must submit detailed cost estimates, proof of available funding, construction drawings, and then must obtain all necessary permits to the City for approval prior to proceeding with construction at any phase,” Blais added.  

The association will enter into a construction agreement with the City for each phase to ensure proper contractual obligations with contractors working on city property.  

Phase 1 - Multi-purpose outdoor sport court to accommodate activities such as basketball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and badminton.  

Phase 2 - Seasonal outdoor ice rink installed over the sport court surface along with utility/storage shed. 

Phase 3 - Community pavilion/gazebo with outdoor fireplace. 

Funding for the first phase of the project has already been obtained by the association. Once the facility is complete, the group will have the ability to sell memberships and rent out the facility. The revenue from the fees must be put towards operation and maintenance. 

The city will be responsible for utility costs such as electricity for the lights and water for the outdoor rink. The agreement also requires the city to provide a garbage receptacle, two hockey nets and flooding hoses once the outdoor rink is constructed. 

Mayor Fraiser Tolmie was absent from the meeting with Coun. Heather Eby attending as acting mayor.  

“The one that was most important to me was that they regularly have to remove any garbage or debris generated from the use of those facilities because we all know that sometimes those areas can become a bit of a littering zone,” Coun. Eby continued. 

“I think this is a good agreement, I'm very excited to see this project come forward and to get started.”  

The motion was passed unanimously by all those in attendance.