Foster seeks second vote to continue planning recreation projects to be 'shovel ready'
Posted July 8, 2026
Ward 3 Councillor. Paul Foster is asking council to reconsider last month's decision to shelve planning for two major recreation projects, setting up another debate over more than $80 million in proposed spending at a time when a town financial analysis warns the projects would ultimately require long-term borrowing and higher property taxes.
Foster has filed a motion to reconsider council's June 17 decision to defer the proposed $70-million aquatic and wellness centre expansion at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre and a $10.47-million FIFA-standard sports dome until the 2027 budget process.
Foster argues delaying the aquatic centre and sports dome until next year's budget process could increase costs by an estimated $3.5 million through inflation while reducing the town's ability to compete for infrastructure grants that typically favour shovel-ready projects.
A motion for reconsideration requires the support of two-thirds of council members present. With all 10 members expected to attend, Foster will need seven votes to reopen the matter.
The renewed debate comes weeks after council received a financial assessment examining the aquatic centre, sports dome and a proposed Beeton Community Centre. Depending on the option selected, the Beeton project is estimated to cost between $20.71 million for a single gymnasium and $44.44 million for a single-pad arena.
Combined, the three projects represent between $101 million and $125 million in capital spending. Foster believes council's decision ignores the aquatic centre being the most popular 'want' from residents, at the expense of pushing foward with a recreation centre in Beeton,
The report concluded the town does not have sufficient reserves to finance the projects, meaning construction would require long-term debentures repaid through a combination of development charges and property taxes.
The aquatic centre expansion carries the largest financial impact. While development charges would cover an estimated 68 per cent of the $70-million cost, taxpayers would still be responsible for about $22.2 million. Staff estimate the project would increase the annual tax levy by $2.2 million, or about 4.59 per cent.
If council agrees to reconsider the June 17 decision, Foster will ask members to direct staff to continue design work and pursue senior government funding, while leaving any decision to construct the facilities for a future vote.
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