Hanover to deliberate on recreation projects
Study pegs costs for three venues at $30 million
Advertisement
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2017 (2613 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
After a feasibility study has determined project costs for recreation projects in Blumenort, Grunthal and Mitchell, RM of Hanover council will now have to decide which community’s project—or any at all—they will move forward with.
In November 2015, Hanover began working with engineering firm, Stantec, on a recreational facilities feasibility study. The study, which took place from March to September 2016, looked at the feasibility of redeveloping the Grunthal arena, renovating and expanding the Mitchell arena and building a new multi-use recreation centre in Blumenort.
The study outlines a proposed renovation and expansion of the Mitchell arena to support accessibility upgrades, modernize dressing rooms, enhance connectivity on site and improve overall functionality. Cost is projected at $9.1 million plus a future daycare allocation of $1.9 million, with costs to be shared for this regional facility.
The proposed redevelopment strategy for the Grunthal Arena outlines a new arena with multi-purpose space on a green field. Total project costs are estimated to be $11 million, to be shared among various levels of government, neighbouring municipalities, private donors and corporate partners.
The firm recommended increased ice rental rates in Grunthal, with the objective of achieving an average hourly rate of approximately $90 per hour and addressing existing safety concerns, like a fire rating and monitoring program for the ice resurfacer area. The report also said site selection should be completed with consideration for land availability, future growth patterns, access and community connectivity, as well as regional partnership opportunities. Lastly, it was suggested a capital campaign be initiated for the project.
The findings determined a brand-new, multi-use community centre in Blumenort with a modern single gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, kitchen and supporting amenities would cost a projected $9.2 million.
The company recommended Hanover pursue a broad cost sharing model for this “regionally unique facility.” They also suggest formalizing the governance transition to an umbrella organization that represents the broad interests in the multi-use development, completing the site selection process with priority given to acquiring lands adjacent to the existing recreation site, and initiating a capital campaign that engages individuals, user groups, the private sector and various levels of government.
The summary noted the Mitchell arena is currently the farthest along in the planning process.
Hanover and Stantec will host a community open house for people to provide input on the projects on Mar. 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the municipal office.
After the open house, the municipality’s administration will ask council to give direction on where they’d like to move forward during their strategic planning session in April.