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BRAMPTON, ON (September 14, 2021) – During a ceremony held today, Mayor Patrick Brown and Wards 3 & 4 Regional and City Councillors, Martin Medeiros and Jeff Bowman, formally renamed the South Fletcher’s Sportsplex in honour of former Mayor Susan Fennell.

The Sportsplex originally opened on September 28, 1997, offering a variety of registered and drop-in swimming, skating, sports and fitness programs, as well as registered dance, STEM and child and youth programs.

Brampton City Council approved the Susan Fennell Sportsplex renaming on September 30, 2020. This motion was moved by Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros and seconded by Regional Councillors Michael Palleschi, Paul Vicente, Pat Fortini and Rowena Santos.

About Susan Fennell
Susan Fennell served on Brampton City Council from 1988 to 2014. During this time, she was instrumental in bringing the South Fletcher’s Sportsplex to life, and it was under her leadership that some of the City’s most iconic projects were completed, including The Rose Theatre, Flower City Community Campus and Seniors Centre, Cassie Campbell Community Centre, Brampton Soccer Centre, Gore Meadows Community Centre, and renovating and modernizing Century Gardens Recreation Centre and Chinguacousy Park.

She played a lead role in the City of Brampton’s effort that secured $200 million in matching federal and provincial funding to make Brampton’s Züm Bus Rapid Transit program a reality, and successfully advocated for discounted fares for seniors and veterans. She also led the development of a first-of-its-kind planning framework for places of worship, helping develop Brampton as one of the most dynamic multi-faith communities in Canada. Fennell championed heritage preservation, playing a personal role in saving Alderlea, The Kenneth Chisholm Mansion, from demolition. During her administration, more heritage buildings were designated than in the previous 25 years.

Susan Fennell Sportsplex, located at 500 Ray Lawson Blvd., will become the City of Brampton’s first zero-carbon building as part of a plan to retrofit new and all existing facilities.

About Susan Fennell Sportsplex retrofit
In 2019, the City of Brampton published its Energy and Emission management plan 2019-2024: a zero-carbon transition. Under the plan, the City has adopted the provincial and federal Green House Gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets of 30 per cent in 2030 and 80 per cent in 2050.

Most of Brampton’s recreational facilities account for nearly 50 per cent of the City’s annual GHG emissions. Susan Fennell Sportsplex was selected for the retrofit because the facility releases high GHG emissions. Most of the major equipment in the facility was also at the end of its expected useful life. Using the 2019 utility data, it was determined that the facility is emitting approximately 1,100 tonnes of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to emissions produced by 238 passenger vehicles.

A feasibility study was completed in September 2020 on the facility, which included changes that are required for the zero-carbon transition. The first of the three-phased project was approved by City Council in April 2021 and a Request for Proposals was published in August 2021.

Quotes

“I am proud to recognize former Mayor Susan Fennell and her devotion to making Brampton a better place for all to live, work and play. During her 26 years serving on Brampton City Council, she was instrumental in bringing the Sportsplex to life, alongside many iconic projects that are important to our community today, and for generations to come.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Former Mayor Susan Fennell accomplished many feats in her time on City Council. During her tenure, Brampton became debt-free and was assigned a Triple AAA Credit Rating. She has left a true legacy and made a difference in our city, and we’re excited to honour her contributions with a facility renaming.”
- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4, City of Brampton

“In addition to renaming Susan Fennell Sportsplex, it is only fitting that this facility will become the first zero-carbon building in the City of Brampton as part of our plan to retrofit new and existing facilities. Former Mayor Fennell also played an essential role in bringing Women’s Hockey to this City and to the growth and continued development of the sport in Brampton.”
- Jeff Bowman, City Councillor, Wards 3 & 4, City of Brampton

“I feel very honoured with this recognition. The Susan Fennell Sportsplex is significant to me as it was the first completed, new community Centre in the ward I represented as Alderman and Regional Councillor, and I had advocated successfully for expanding the original design from a simple, “cookie cutter” facility with one rink and a community room to a 4-rink facility, with a community pool, gym and library. I am grateful to the Mayor and Council for this honour.”
- Susan Fennell, former Mayor, City of Brampton

“It is important that we recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the City of Brampton. We are pleased to formally rename this key centre the Susan Fennell Sportsplex. Work is underway to update signage and we look forward to the final result.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton