WATERLOO - The City of Waterloo has committed to contributing a combined $5 million to the city's two universities to upgrade aging sports and recreation facilities.

The University of Waterloo will receive $2.5 million for its nearly $23-million expansion and enhancement of the Columbia Icefield.

Wilfrid Laurier University will receive $2.5 million for its more than $50-million upgrade to University Stadium.

Both projects will be submitted to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a cost-shared infrastructure funding program between the federal government, provinces, territories, municipalities and other applicants.

The universities will take the lead on the applications, which are due by Nov. 12.

The $5 million in city funding will be incorporated into the 2020-2022 capital budget and capital forecast budget.

UW's planned expansion of the Columbia Icefield would see a second 1,500-seat ice pad built, along with new change room facilities.

The project would also include a new raised track surface around the perimeter of the ice field.

According to a city report submitted to council Monday, "a capital contribution by the City of Waterloo would provide access to an annual community allocation of prime time ice-time on one of the two rinks and at the track, which will be fully outlined in the future community use agreement."

Twinning the ice pad would also have a larger sport tourism benefit for the city and the region, it said.

"It's a great opportunity for us to have access to this facility," Mark Dykstra, the city's commissioner of community services, said at Monday's council meeting.

"It's an exciting opportunity from our perspective."

WLU's vision for its stadium enhancement includes a winter bubble dome to allow for year-round use of the field; a new team headquarters, including a double gym, wellness centre, and dressing rooms; facility upgrades such as new artificial turf, a video board, sound and lighting systems, and a press box; and an improved fan experience including a new grandstand, a patio lounge, a new concession stand and accessible washrooms.

Dykstra said much like the upgrades at the Columbia Icefield, a capital investment by the city would provide more opportunities for community use of the field.

The staff report states that "the stadium project will provide the community of Waterloo with increased community recreation access to a major sports field stadium, while also addressing one of the current major gaps existing within the Region for major event (and) bid attraction."

jjackson@therecord.com

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Twitter: @JamesDEJ