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A summary of the first two phases for a proposed new aquatic
facility was presented at Monday night's Saugeen Shores Town
Council meeting.
The summary, completed by Competitive Edge Research and
Consulting (CERC), was compiled after public meetings were held
for input from the community. Consultant, Bernie Range, of CERC
made several recommendations for a new facility, including
continuing with public input for the next phases.
Locations that appeared to be the most prominent choices were
either attached to the Plex or near the water run-off pond
adjacent to Independent Grocers. Both sites are the most central
for each of the three amalgamated communities with services such
as water, sewer and hydro electrical readily available.
Councillor Victoria Serda expressed her support for moving
forward with the project and the fact that she felt, "People
really seem to be very appreciative that council is keeping the
process open."
Range also pointed out that there were several main functions
for an aquatic facility in today's climate that included
recreational learning to swim, fitness and health, therapy and
rehabilitation, competitive training, special events and sport
training.
"It should be a part of a larger community complex and not a
stand-alone facility. There should be a clear vision, mission
and goals developed before moving into phase 3," he added.
"Part of phase 3 is the ten-year business plan," explained Mike
Myatt, Director of Community Services, "and costing could also
be part of this."
Councillor Diane Huber said that, "Almost 90% of respondents
indicate that teaching swimming was a significant goal. What
would it take to get our community to once again offer swimming
lessons in the lake during the summer? Also, we've talked
about this facility having a gymnasium. What are the restrictions in
using school facilities when it appears that the schools are beginning
to reach out more to communities? Also, there was mention made of
setting up some programs that are now provided by private providers and
I don't like the idea of us competing with private business."
She went on to express her disappointment that no consideration had been
given to a location in Southampton or Saugeen Township. Mayor Mike Smith
pointed out however, that the Water Pond location is 'technically' in
Saugeen Township.
Councillor Luke Charbonneau main concern was with what he expressed as
being the 'hot button'. "What about financing? According to the report,
it will cost $300 per sq. ft. or some $9.6 million. I think as we
approach the business planning stage, we need to discuss what we are
trying to accomplish here. In my mind, if the key is to provide teaching
and training for swimming, the size of the existing facility (at the
High School) has done the job."
"I realize its lifespan is almost over," he added, "but the place to
start is how to replace that facility and people need to be prepared to
finance that before adding all the other amenities that have been talked
about and that will require other financing. We will have to discuss
that. We also need to do a market study on the demographics of who will
use the facility. What would people be willing to pay? If we are going
into competition with the private market place then, perhaps, we should
not do it."
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31/01/2009 09:04 AM
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"We are not just talking capital outlay either, but we
also have to consider on-going operations," he pointed out. "What fee
are we going to charge to recover the capital outlay cost. How will this
impact lower income people. Are they going to be able to support the
larger facility and services? We need to draw the line somewhere. We are
responsible to the tax payer and, I still say, we should be looking at
the replacement of the existing facility."
Councillor Jane Barber wanted to know when phase 3 will begin and end.
"If the economy contines to tank and the government decides to give us
some money, maybe this will be the place. They keep saying kids are fat
and we need to trim them down."
Myatt said that in a couple of weeks at budget time, "We will present
the proposal for phase 3. Our plan is to have some conceptual drawings
in the summer when the tourists are here. We'll then try to write a
business plan for presenting to council in November or December. We will
be attempting to place in the drawings the amenities according to the
eight priority items such as, eight-lane competitive pools, water slide,
pool for moms and tots, hot tub, observation deck, walking track, etc.
Then we can look at what could be added or eliminated."
He went on to say that the $300 per sq. ft. is based on having all the
amenities. "It comes down to, how much can this community afford?"
Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger added that the needs of the commuity have
been identified and the desire to move forward with something. "I would
like to see that, before we dive into this, we do identify the appetite
for the amount of money they are willing to spend. Rather than selling
dreams, I would rather sell reality."
Councillor Fred Shildroth pointed out that the Bluewater Schoolboard is
doing a facility review in 2011 or 2012 (or thereabouts). "What if they
would entertain another 20 year agreement like the one we've had? How
far can we go in this process before we can go back to the Schoolboard
and ask. There are gymnasiums and schools that could well lend
themselves to walking tracks, etc."
According to Myatt, the Schoolboard has indicated that the Ministry of
Education has said the review will be in 2012/13 and, if in fact they
make a decision that the existing building is beyond repair and, if a
new school is to be built they will be looking at 2015/16 before
anything is done. "Can we wait another six or seven years?" he asked. "I
would like to think that two or three years is more realistic. There
would be no harm in sitting down with the board in the near future
though."
Mayor Smith said that, "Phase 3 is the most critical part of the process
and it's interesting to see how all the five phases fit gogether."
The purpose of Phase 3 will be to tender out the hiring of a consulting
firm to carry out five tasks:
. recommend the best site location based on amenity & site
recommendations following a Phase 2 review
. prepare conceptual drawings
. continue with public consultation through public meetings
. prepare a ten year business plan including capital & operational costs
and present to Staff & Council for discussion
. recommend other steps that may be required as part of the decision
making process
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