Proposed Multi Purpose Recreational Facility
The proposed Multiuse Recreation Complex will replace four (4) existing facilities that can longer adequately serve the community. These four facilities are - the indoor pool, the arena, Collins Hall, and the library. In all cases, the facilities are of an age where ongoing capital repairs and maintenance are escalating and anticipated future costs are not supportable. More importantly; however, the facilities no longer meet the design and programming needs of the community.
The Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Master Plan study (2008) led to a Feasibility study for the recommended multipurpose recreation facility. The feasibility study (completed in February 2009) includes some detail on the proposed uses and components for the facility to best meet the needs of the community now and into the foreseeable future.
Terms of Reference were prepared and approved by Council for the selection of an architect - CANNON Design - who will provide a range of services to further position the Multipurpose Recreation Centre for funding. These began with investigating the feasibility of the requirements, developing design proposals, applying for statutory approvals, preparing construction information, obtaining bids for building work, reviewing construction, and administering a building contract.
Preliminary designs were completed and presented to City Council on July 13, 2009.
To view the reports and documents involved in this project, follwo the links below to the appropriate PDF file.
Presentation to Council regarding phasing options - November 23, 2009
Presentation to Council regarding design options - July 13, 2009
Centennial Arena and Municipal Pool Condition Assessments
Multi-Use Complex: Preliminary Feasibility Study Final Report - Feb. 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need a new Multipurpose Recreation Facility? Can't we repair or upgrade the existing Pool and Arena?
Industry practice and experience has shown that upgrading or repairing 40 year old infrastructure invariably costs more than a full replacement. A recent Engineer and Architect report on the existing facilities reinforced this concept and came to the following conclusions and recommendation:
- both buildings have reached the end of their useful life
- fundamental features of the structure, the building arrangement and the site conditions will make both buildings cost prohibitive to repair or upgrade
- replacement, not repair, would be the cost-effective and practical option
The report highlighted major deficiencies and suggested that the cost to repair would be prohibitive and would not meet the requirements of modern building and accessibility standards, nor the community's recreation needs.
What will be in the new Multipurpose Facility?
The new Facility's key elements include:
- A 6-lane, 25-metre pool with warm-water therapeutic pool;
- A low-impact cardio gym and walking track;
- large multipurpose program room and community agora;
- 3 outdoor tennis courts;
- A single-pad arena; and
- A public library space.
When and where will the new facility be built?
The City has recently applied to the federal and provincial governments for 66.6 % funding for the $30.6 million facility. Architectural designs are well underway and will be completed this fall. If funding is secured in the coming weeks, the project could be tendered as early as December 2009 for a spring / summer 2010 construction. The new facility would open in the spring of 2011, on the site of the existing Centennial Arena.
How long will the community have to do without the Pool or Arena during construction of the new facility?
Assuming the plant and equipment remain functional, both the existing Arena and Pool will remain open during the construction of the new facility. The new facility is being designed to accommodate just that. Once the new facility is open the existing Arena building will be demolished and the land converted into parking.
How much will the new facility cost the taxpayers of Elliot Lake?
If funding is secured, the City's share of approximately $10 million will come from a combination of existing Municipal reserves, local fundraising and a twenty (20) year loan. The City's reserves currently sit at approx. $9 million with another $4 million in the special cottage lot development reserve. The new facility is projected to cost taxpayers approx. $ 250,000 less in annual operating costs than the current aged facilities. These savings will help to pay for a good portion of the debt repayment costs.
What will happen to the Parsons Park Ball Field?
Parsons Park Baseball Field will be relocated, to a yet to be determined location. The relocated ball field will retain the name " Parsons Park ".
What will happen to the Collins Hall? We need a large community centre for big meetings and gym uses.
Collins Hall will not be demolished. The Architects have reviewed the building and determined that it can remain a functional gym and large meeting space for the foreseeable future. If the Collins Hall is used as a library as an interim measure, it can easily be converted back to its current use with minimal costs, once the new facility opens to the public.
How can I get more information on this project and facility plans?
Watch Page 2 for updates or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 848-2287 x 2136. All documents pertaining to this project and the most current Architectual designs will be available on this page.
