Optimists promised $2M for soccer dome
by Jonathan Sher

London Optimists have been promised $2 million in stimulus money to build an indoor soccer facility, but it remains to be seen if city hall will be onside.

That uncertainty was the only cloud on recreation plans yesterday as senior governments gave city hall and local groups what will be the last chunk of $14 million in stimulus cash.

The $6.5-million soccer facility would be the third of its kind in Ontario and would come at a bargain price for local taxpayers: Optimists have asked for $1.15 million from city hall and not a dime to run the place.

But some city politicians fear it could cramp industrial growth around the site, including a proposed biogas plant.

"I have a lot of concerns," said Coun. Harold Usher, who chairs the city's community and protective services committee. "It's smack in the middle of an industrial area."

Planned to be built at the site of an existing inflatable dome run by the Optimists on Cuddy Boulevard, the building would be open year-round and have a full size soccer field that could be used as three indoor fields.

"It's going to put London on the map for indoor sports," said Tom Partalas, president of the London Optimist Sports Centre. "We want to build a facility the city can be proud of."

City hall has committed $500,000 to the building and Optimists have asked an exemption to development charges that would cost another $615,000.

In comparison, Optimists are spending $3.5 million to build the place and are paying to operate it, too.

"We're saving the city a lot of money," Partalas said.

East London has a greater need for recreation, especially for children, than it does a biogas plant, he said.

"It might be better for the (biogas) company to look elsewhere," Partalas said.

Earlier this year, city staff recommended changing zoning to allow the biogas facility subject to it to meet regulatory requirements. But politicians, in the face of community opposition, put off a decision.

The doubt about the last piece of city funding didn't dampen the mood of Bill Coxhead, the city's parks director.

The city received stimulus cash for 19 of 20 recreation projects that will boost construction and improve access to play, sports and community, he said.

"It's an amazing investment in our neighbourhoods," he said.

Also thrilled were MPs Ed Holder (London West) and Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe).

"It's never wrong when you make an investment in kids," Holder said.

The soccer facility especially will be wonderful for residents of East London, Mathyssen said.

"(We) needs this kind of place for our kids (and) to boost our community," she said.

City hall received nearly $12 million in recreation funding, while community groups such as the Optimists, the YMCA and the Boys' and Girls' Club received about $4 million.

The debate about the soccer facility resumes at city hall July 20.