Construction continues of the new Nation Sports Complex in Limoges.

Work began in September 2021 on the multi-sport, indoor facility, which includes a soccer field two-thirds of FIFA regulation size, a walking track, and a community centre hall which will accommodate up to 150 people. As of May 5, the pre-engineered frame of the building was complete. The entire facility is projected to be complete by the end of 2022.  

The cost of construction for The Nation Sports Complex is $12,415,000 and La Nation Township has allocated a budget of $15,233,506. No federal or provincial grant funding has been awarded for the sports complex, but the municipality has established the $1 million ‘The Nation Gets in Shape Campaign’, in order to raise funds from individuals, organizations, and corporate donors. 

On April 4, La Nation council tabled a recommended policy which would allow a sponsor to have their name added to the facility. The decision to table the policy was a result of feedback from council. 

“It’s nothing new – they’ve been thinking about it and comparing with other municipalities,” said Mayor François St-Amour. 

Chief Administrative Officer Josée Brizard said if council decided to select a particular sponsor to have naming rights to the complex, a contract would then have to be put in place. 

The draft policy is similar to a policy the City of Cornwall uses, which led to the naming of the city’s Benson Centre recreational facility after the chain of auto parts stores. That contract is for 12 years, with $50,000 per year being paid by Benson to the city, in conjunction with a $2 million community fundraising campaign.  

Under La Nation’s proposed policy, a sponsor would have to bid a minimum of five per cent of the project cost to be considered for naming rights. 

“I find five per cent is not a lot,” commented Councillor Marie-Noëlle Lanthier. 

“I think as a minimum, it sets the table that we’re open for business,” Councillor Francis Brière said. 

On April 25, La Nation council also tabled a policy on how donors will be recognized for their contributions to The Nation Gets in Shape Campaign. Council generally agreed on the policy but wanted a clearer definition of the categories and criteria.  

A fundraiser for the Nation Sports Complex was already held on April 23 at Oasis Mini Golf. The Recreation Department is anticipating more fundraising events in the community will be organized during the months ahead.