Event Centre Renovations Set To Start In LaSalle

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The development of the Small Coast Waterfront project along LaSalle’s waterfront will get underway with the renovation of the former Westport Marina into a municipal event centre.

Renovations to the facility include 21,500 square foot of event space for year-round use, a servery, barrier-free washrooms, multi-purpose space, second-floor viewing/eating area, accessible lifts to the second floor, large glass doors that open to the outdoor plaza/Detroit River and Front Road, built-in sound attenuation, outdoor canopy cover for inclement weather, and office/storage space.

It will also include gym curtain dividers, tennis and pickleball floor sockets, equipment and other specifications. The roll-up curtains would provide for separation between the courts and protect the glass end walls. The layout would allow two pickleball courts and one tennis court that could be shared as a possible basketball court.

“It is anticipated that the event centre will be substantially complete by March or April of 2022, which could allow the use of the facility in the summer or fall of next year. Town administration is in the process of determining future uses of the event centre, including municipal festivals and events, and outlining rental guidelines,” s

The Westport Building renovation and improvements were initially estimated to cost approximately $5.2 million. As the further analysis was completed, the scope of work increased, resulting in the architect revising the estimate to roughly $6.6 million.

Tender documents were released on April 23rd, 2021 and closed on May 12th, 2021. Bids were received from four general contractors, with the project being awarded to local contractor Vince Ferro Construction at the cost of $6,540,520.

Approximately $3.5 million will be funded from a combination of debt issuance and reserves. An additional $3 million will be provided from the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF). This is a permanent funding source provided twice a year to provinces and territories that flow the funding to their municipalities. The funding can be used to support local infrastructure priorities like recreation projects. The Town of LaSalle typically receives $1.5 million annually through the GTF, and is receiving an additional $1.5 million in 2021.