Municipal Government Community Centre Update
The information in this article is based on reports presented in public meetings and is the interpretation and views of former Council member Ruth Simons, term ending December 5, 2011.
As reported in the Village Update, Council met, Tuesday, November 22nd, to discuss the British Columbia ʻCommunity Recreation Grant Applicationʼ. This application is due December 28th, 2011.
As Mayor my Portfolio includes the Community Centre. In the transition from previous to current Council, I am working with staff to write the grant and will ensure it is submitted by the December 28th deadline.
Thank you to previous Council, the Community Centre Task Force and Staff, with particular assistance from Alex Hejduk, Office Coordinator and Councillor Ruth Simons. Thank you for their input, commitment and decision making in moving the process forward to this point.
Thank you to former Councillor Ruth Simons, for organizing a selection of architect firms, resulting from her discussions with many firms. Thank you also to Rob Simons, Designer for assisting in ensuring that the current building plans were provided to the architect firms, along with assisting regarding technical information pertaining to the building as a result of Robʼs previous reviews of the building. Recreation is the focus of the grant that is being applied for, thus it is the Community Centre portion of the municipal building that we are focusing upon for this grant opportunity. The Village Hall was built in 1970, by the Fatherʼs of the community. As one Villager said recently, 50% of the people at that time wanted it and 50% of the residents did not want it. Once it was built, no one would have let anyone take it away.
In reviewing the building on Monday, December 5th, I was truly inspired as we began in the Library, which was warm and welcoming with Library Board Chair, Anne-Marie Gates volunteering, the Monday Playgroup was in the Village Hall, with our precious little ʻtikesʼ zooming around…on little trikes. Having attended, the very well attended and fun spirited Santaʼs Breakfast on Sunday, with two of our daughters and sons-inlaw, along with four grandchildren, it is exciting how many roles the Community Centre plays in each of our lives. I am very impressed at how hard the Community Centre works and how many of our lives it embraces and enriches !
The British Columbia Community Recreation Grant presents an opportunity to upgrade the Hall. We will put forward a renovate or build choice of options. Council has chosen to move forward inviting architect firms to provide a vision that includes the addition of a multi-purpose room, with accessible and enhanced washroom facilities, a Library living room, roof repair, and consideration to the kitchen.
Having been constructed 41 years ago, the Community Centre is not up to current building code. In preparation for the grant submission, there is a short list of architects submitting proposals, and the code/seismic issues are under consideration. Hard costs expended to date have been nominal.
In discussion with the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the application submitted will be for $400,000. This grant is an 80% grant, thus the Village commitment would be for $100,000, with a total project submission of $500,000. The grant is written to include either renovation or building new construction. Should the Village be successful, this funding is available until March 31st, 2014.
Currently, in the 2011 Budget and 5 Year Plan, $160,000 has been budgeted for Community Centre repairs. This has not been spent. This budget item has been moved onto the 2012 budget. This budget item covers the $100,000 equity component of the $400,000 Grant. Initial discussion with the architects, suggest that the project can be accomplished within this budget. The project would likely be desired by local contractors, who will be included in the invitation to bid.
It is envisaged that residents will be given an opportunity to participate in the project. The Community Centre Task Force has contributed so much of their talent and become very knowledgeable as a ʻbrain trustʼ. This team will be called upon early this Spring with a new Terms of Reference.
Any Council decision regarding the Community Centre will be practical, financially doable and enhancing. Further updates will be provided.
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