News Municipal Sports turf
Essex to look at zoning bylaw amendment prior to building of new outdoor sports complex

Essex council in southwestern Ontario is to discuss a zoning bylaw amendment report at its meeting tonight regarding the site of a future sports field.

Council will be asked to conduct a special meeting Jan. 15 to solicit public input in redesignating agricultural land to open spaces. The municipality purchased 27 hectares of land to accommodate a large scale sports complex. The complex would facilitate soccer and baseball with additional amenities as washrooms, walking trails and parking.

The municipality is in jeopardy of losing some of its existing soccer fields with the extension of Highway 3. An amendment to the zoning bylaw is required before development can get underway.

Essex is looking to establish partnerships with private organizations to have as many amenities as possible at the intended location.