As a Town Councillor, I keep hearing the same message from parents, athletes, coaches, and local sports organizations: Halton Hills needs more indoor sports facilities.
Our current indoor options are limited and difficult to book. Clubs struggle to secure consistent practice time, families travel outside the community, and demand is growing faster than our facilities can accommodate. As Halton Hills grows, our recreation infrastructure must grow with it.
That message took on even greater personal meaning for me when I attended the Halton Hills Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was inspiring to celebrate the athletes, coaches and community builders who have represented our town with such distinction.
However, I also heard a recurring theme: many of our athletes had to leave Halton Hills to access the facilities, coaching and reliable training time they needed to succeed. Their dedication deserves our admiration, but their experiences should also motivate us to do better for the next generation.
The next generation of Halton Hills athletes should not have to leave their community to reach their potential. Winter and inclement weather should not interrupt their development, and access to sport should not depend on whether a family has the time, transportation or financial ability to travel outside town.
The numbers reinforce what families are telling us. The Halton Hills Sports Coalition represents more than 7,000 participants across soccer, baseball, football, flag football, cricket, pickleball, tennis, badminton, volleyball and basketball. The Georgetown Soccer Club alone reported 4,250 registered players and approximately $123,000 in winter facility costs to secure facilities in other communities.
That is time, money and opportunity leaving Halton Hills because we lack capacity.
When indoor space is unavailable, practices are cancelled, shortened or rescheduled at inconvenient times. Clubs cannot expand their programs. Parents spend more time driving than watching their children participate, and many young people miss out entirely if their families cannot regularly travel outside town for training.
In May, after hearing directly from local representatives of soccer, football, flag football and pickleball, I introduced an amendment directing Town staff to assess the operational and financial feasibility of indoor sports domes or training facilities as a potential third recreation priority. Council approved the amendment.
In July, another opportunity arose through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund. The Halton Hills Sports Coalition proposed a phased two-dome concept for the Gellert Park expansion: a seasonal, air-supported dome over the proposed court facility and another over the existing soccer field, which would receive new turf.
I proposed that the direction approved by Council be included in the Town’s federal Expression of Interest, specifically the dome concept. I also asked Council to be prepared to meet promptly to examine financing and partnership options if a funding opportunity moves forward.
It is important to be precise about what that decision entails. Council has not given final approval to build the domes or to commit taxpayers to an undefined expense. Including the concept in the Expression of Interest keeps Halton Hills eligible for consideration and allows the costs, partnerships and community benefits to be properly evaluated.
The broader Eighth Line park expansion is estimated at $10 million, and the federal program could cover up to 40 percent, or $4 million, of the eligible project cost. The Halton Hills Pickleball Association has also pledged up to $250,000. These opportunities show why the Town must pursue senior government funding, community contributions, and responsible partnerships rather than placing the entire burden on local taxpayers.
We should act with urgency and financial discipline. Residents deserve clear costs, realistic timelines, measurable outcomes, and an honest explanation of how any project would be funded and operated.
Indoor facilities could provide year-round space for soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse, cricket, pickleball, golf training, hockey dry-land programs, fitness, conditioning and rehabilitation. They would support competitive athletes, recreational participants, schools, community organizations and residents of all ages.
The Eighth Line proposal is an important opportunity, but our planning must remain town-wide. We should continue to examine recreation needs and practical opportunities across Acton, Georgetown and the broader Halton Hills community.
If I am elected Mayor, expanding indoor sports capacity will be one of my top priorities. I will work with Council, Town staff, local sports organizations, schools, school boards and potential partners to develop a responsible plan with clear timelines and practical outcomes: more available and bookable hours, better access for families, and facilities that meet the needs of a growing town.
Recreation is a commitment, not a luxury. It contributes to healthier families, stronger neighbourhoods, and a more connected community.
I want to hear from you. Which sport or activity is your family involved in? Which facility or training do you currently travel outside Halton Hills to access? Which indoor recreation gap affects you the most?
Let’s make Halton Hills a place where athletes can dream big and train right here at home.
Jason Brass
Councillor, Ward 2
Candidate for Mayor of Halton Hills