Ever wondered what $83 million looks like in community upgrades? Marathon is about to find out! Their mayor is driving an ambitious plan for a new active living centre, packed with pools, a hockey rink, and bowling. It’s tender-ready and set to transform local recreation. Will this bold vision secure the funding it needs?

The Town of Marathon is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with its mayor, Rick Dumas, spearheading an ambitious project to construct a state-of-the-art multi-purpose active living centre. This proposed facility, poised to become a central hub for community engagement and wellness, represents a substantial investment in the town’s future infrastructure and recreational opportunities.

Spanning an impressive 100,000 square feet, the sprawling complex is designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and age groups. Plans detail an array of modern amenities, including a dedicated lap pool for serious swimmers, a leisure pool for relaxation and family fun, a full-sized hockey rink, modern bowling lanes, a comprehensive gymnasium, and versatile exhibit spaces, promising a dynamic environment for all residents.

The urgency behind this grand initiative is underscored by the diminishing lifespan of the current municipal arena. According to Mayor Dumas, CIMCO Refrigeration, the company responsible for maintaining the arena’s ice-making system, has indicated that the system has only two to three years of operational life remaining, making the construction of a new facility not just desirable but critically important for sustaining local sports and recreation.

Mayor Dumas has been actively lobbying for the necessary financial backing to bring this vision to fruition. During the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, he and two other Marathon delegates engaged with provincial officials, advocating vigorously for the town’s funding requests and highlighting the project’s readiness and community benefits.

A significant advantage for Marathon’s proposal lies in its advanced planning and preparation. The project is already “tender-ready,” signifying that the town has completed all necessary design and engineering work, and a main contractor has been identified. This comprehensive readiness positions Marathon favorably in the competitive landscape for provincial infrastructure funding, demonstrating a clear path from concept to construction.

The estimated cost for this expansive active living centre stands at $83 million. Despite the substantial investment, the meticulous planning, including a fully detailed plan and a successful tendering process, indicates a robust and well-managed approach to municipal development. The town’s proactive steps ensure that construction can commence swiftly once funding is officially secured.

Mayor Dumas expressed confidence in Marathon’s project, noting its unique position as “front-running” due to its advanced stage of development. He emphasized that the town has gone through the tendering process, finalized its design, and completed all engineering requirements, leaving only the funding announcement as the final hurdle before breaking ground on this transformative community asset.

This pioneering project not only promises to rejuvenate recreational facilities but also signifies a profound commitment to the health and vitality of the Marathon community. The proactive engagement of local leadership and the detailed planning reflect a collective ambition to enhance the quality of life for residents, ensuring modern amenities for generations to come.