Chatham-Kent is preparing applications to the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to support an ice plant replacement at Blenheim Memorial Arena and the construction of a new ball diamond complex in South Kent.
The 2026 intake of the fund supports repair and rehabilitation of existing facilities through Stream 1, and construction of new or replacement facilities through Stream 2. Applications are due Dec. 22, with municipalities able to request up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Under Stream 1, the municipality intends to apply for the Blenheim Memorial Arena Ice Plant and Floor Replacement, an estimated $2.7-million project that would replace the arena’s aging refrigeration system and concrete ice floor, including the compressor room equipment and associated mechanical and electrical work. The municipality may request up to the program maximum of $1 million. Administration previously reported to council in 2023 on the need to replace the arena’s synthetic refrigerant-based system with a natural refrigerant system.
Under Stream 2, the municipality intends to apply for the South Kent Ball Diamond Complex, a project estimated at approximately $16.68 million, excluding land acquisition. A feasibility study completed in June evaluated six potential locations and recommended a preferred site near Communication Road and Allison Line in Blenheim. The proposed complex includes four regulation-sized baseball and softball diamonds with field lighting, fencing, dugouts, bleachers, a concessions and changeroom building, batting cages, playground and pavilion space, and approximately 246 permanent parking spaces. Council previously approved the purchase of 32 acres of land for the project at 9267 Allison Line in Blenheim in August.
The municipality says both projects respond to priorities identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and would reduce reliance on aging recreation infrastructure. The Blenheim arena serves Blenheim, South Kent and surrounding rural communities, while the proposed ball diamond complex would establish a permanent, municipally managed home for baseball and softball in South Kent and strengthen the municipality’s ability to host regional tournaments.
Submission of the applications does not guarantee provincial funding. If either application is approved, administration will report back to council regarding the funding agreement, final project scope, municipal contribution and procurement process.
