
St. Catharines city council gave the nod for Niagara Olympic Track and Field Centre, phase one to cost $1.4-million
A funding request to rejuvenate Niagara Olympic Track and Field Centre has been approved, in principle, by St. Catharines city council.
Phase one will cost $1.4-million, with hopes the province covers 50%, the city handles 30%, and the club fundraises the rest.
Club chair Sharon Stewart is aiming for OFFSA in 2026. "OFFSA is a 3-day track meet, with 2,900 athletes, from 850 schools from across Ontario. 1,000 coaches, 100 plus volunteers, and probably 1,000 or more spectators a day."
Mayor Mat Siscoe says city infrastructure must be maintained.
Deputy Mayor Bill Phillips has memories. "Having been a gym teacher and principal at nearby Power Glen School, we used that track a lot, we're probably responsible for wearing the surface off it. But it's not a situation where they can hold a track and field meet like OFFSA."
City staff will report back with details of the proposal.