Twin Pad expansion still planned for 2026, County says, despite funding setback

An aerial rendering shows the proposed Brant Sports Complex expansion, including the new gymnasium addition, a north-facing entrance, and changes to parking and site access, alongside the existing twin pad facility.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Construction on the long-planned Brant Sports Complex twin pad expansion is still targeted to begin in 2026 but has been delayed from its original targeted start date of early 2026.

In a written update provided to The Paris Independent, the county clarified that the twin pad expansion has not been formally delayed but remains contingent on securing sufficient grant funding and council approval.

Staff also confirmed that at this time, no government grant programs are available, though they will continue to liaise with ministry representatives to identify potential upcoming funding opportunities.

“The project is still planned and budgeted for a 2026 start date but is reliant on receiving grant funding which could impact the timeline,” said Philip Mete, General Manager of Community Services for the County of Brant.

Staff intend to tender the project “as soon as the required grant funding is received and Council has provided approval,” with an update on final design, cost estimates and funding strategy expected to be presented to council in the second quarter of 2026.

As part of its funding strategy, the county had applied to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, a senior-government grant program that would have required the project to be completed by early 2027. However, Mete confirmed the application was unsuccessful.

“The County received notification in July 2025 that the application for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund did not receive approval,” he said.

The county did not directly address how the unsuccessful grant application affects the project’s competitiveness for future funding, nor whether the loss of that grant changes the project’s overall affordability or existing funding gap. The delayed start date is now pushing the completion of the project into 2028.

When the project was last before council in May 2025, the scaled-down expansion design carried an estimated price tag of $28.3 million, leaving the project roughly $5.5 million over the 2026 capital forecast.

In its latest update, the county did not provide revised cost estimates, projections related to construction inflation, or details on whether the funding shortfall has widened since last year. 

According to the EngageBrant website, the project will be funded through a combination of development charges, the municipal capital budget, grants, and potential community fundraising initiatives.

Despite funding uncertainty, county staff say work is continuing to ensure the project is ready to move forward once approvals are in place.

“Staff are working with Planning, Building and Operations, as well as the Accessibility Committee and other agencies having jurisdiction on approvals to ensure that the project is shovel-ready,” Mete said.

Project timelines will be updated on the county’s Engage Brant website, and residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates.

User groups, she added, are being kept informed through informal communications throughout the year and annual scheduling notices.

The county confirmed the Brant Sports Complex will remain open throughout the process, though temporary disruptions may occur once construction begins.

Council has not yet been asked to revisit the project’s scope, budget or timing, though staff have indicated a comprehensive update will be brought forward in 2026 as part of the next phase of decision-making.