The Thorold Community Activities Group (TCAG) was supposed to start hosting a whole new slate of programming at the James Whyte Arena this week, but those plans have unfortunately been delayed.
As ThoroldToday reported, the TCAG is experiencing an increase in demand for more programming. That’s why they’re hoping to move into the James Whyte Arena, so they can offer racquet sports for youth, such as pickleball, tennis and badminton, as well as hockey, soccer, volleyball and basketball.
The arena would be shared with the Thorold Soccer Club and the 128 Thorold Flying Dragons.
While the TCAG was supposed to move into the arena this week, those plans have now been put on hold, because the city wants to do a structural assessment of the building first.
The matter was briefly discussed during yesterday’s meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee.
“Staff is working on a structural assessment for the building at this time,” said Manager of Community Services, Dave Baldoni. “That was a direction of council. Until said inspection comes back we’re going to sort of limit use to the James Whyte Arena.“
Baldoni explained that the last structural assessment of the building was done back in 2019.
Committee Chair Kieran Daniels asked why the Thorold Flying Dragons are already able to use the arena at this time.
“They are using our committee room that’s across from the TAA board room,” answered Baldoni.
The TCAG's Executive Director Megan Gilchrist tells ThoroldToday that the non-profit is awaiting further direction from the city.
"Hopefully that's soon and we can get all set up because we're ready to roll," she says. "We have our fingers crossed because we have a lot of eager kids that are ready to get started in there."
A timeline for when the structural assessment will be done was not provided. To stay up to date, keep an eye on the TCAG's Facebook page.
