Grand Bend Community Centre Project

In January 2025, the Municipality of Lambton Shores shared a conceptual facility design for the proposed Grand Bend Community Centre. The proposed facility incorporated the recommendations from the Feasibility Study, which determined a justification for a Grand Bend Community Centre and identified key features that the facility should include.

The recommendations in the Feasibility Study were based on the robust public consultation that included:

1. Community Open Houses: approximately 220 attendees across two open houses
2. Online Public Survey: 893 responses
3. Community Group Workshops: 18 organizations attended
4. Municipal Council and stakeholder interviews: 12 interviews conducted

The proposed facility is a two-story building with the main level consisting of:

• A public library operated by the County of Lambton
• Seating and viewing areas
• Washrooms and change rooms
• A kitchen and bar
• A large multipurpose space that can accommodate large community events (capacity of 400 people seated) or sports activities (space for 4 indoor pickleball courts).

The incorporation of the library allows for an intergenerational space that can be accessed by different age groups, while the small, private rooms can provide space for use by other agencies.

The upper level includes:

• An elevated walking track surrounding the multipurpose space on the main floor
• Space for a limited amount of stationary fitness equipment (e.g., incumbent bikes, ellipticals, etc.)
• A large multipurpose room that can be divided into three separate rooms capable of hosting many functions, like fitness programs, classes, meetings, and private events (e.g., showers, parties, etc.)

The exterior of the facility includes:

• An outdoor kitchen space that can be used for community events, markets, etc.
• Dedicated area for picnic tables and other seating areas for passive use or outdoor programming
• Sufficient parking to accommodate the uses of the proposed facility

The proposed facility is located at 18 Municipal Drive, Grand Bend (Lion's Park). The property was strategically selected for several reasons:

• The property is owned by the Municipality
• The property is sufficiently sized to accommodate the proposed facility and required parking spaces
• The property is centrally located in Grand Bend with walkability
• The property presents no significant challenges from a planning or zoning perspective 

Estimated Budget

Working with Skinner & Skinner Architects Ltd., a preliminary budget for the proposed Grand Bend Community Centre has been provided. Two options have been considered, with one option being a Net Zero facility and the other option without Net Zero Energy options:

1. With Net Zero Energy Options: approximately $19,954,400
2. Without Net Zero Energy Options: $17,484,400

Staff estimate an additional allowance of approximately $1,300,000 for items not included.

These costs are estimates only, as any construction work will need to be publicly tendered.

Potential Provincial Funding

Preliminary planning and design for this project started so the Municipality could take advantage of a new provincial funding opportunity aimed at supporting new recreational facilities.

In 2025, Council authorized staff to complete an application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to request $10 million to offset the total build cost.

Unfortunately, the Municipality was not successful with this application.