The outdoor basketball courts project to be built at River Landing may also be able to transform into a skating rink in the winter.

The Planning, Development and Community Services Committee heard on Monday from Michael Linklater with Hoist the Hoops, which has spearheaded the project, that the water infrastructure is already there, according to what he has heard from City Administration when touring the area.

Lindsay Joseph, spokesperson for Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, which is funding the capital project, says the court surface is actually designed to be flooded in the winter so it can be used as a skating rink.

General Manager of Community Services, Lynne Lacroix, says a similar process occurs for speed skating at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, but the logistics would need to be worked through.

The PDCS Committee has asked Administration to report back about the possibilities for the courts to be used as a skating rink, including operating and capital implications.

A motion was also passed to increase the scope of the capital project from $530,000 to $900,000, fully funded by Jumpstart.  Jumpstart would like to start construction in 2022 with the new outdoor basketball multi-court facility tentatively available for use by early next fall or spring of 2023.

Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.