WHITEWATER REGION — Whitewater Region is closer to having a recreation master plan and an arenas space needs study completed on the arenas in Cobden and Beachburg.
At last week’s council meeting, Ed Newhook of Milestone Strategy provided an overview of what’s happening with the master plan while Diane Matichuk and Douglas Rancier of Civitas Group provided an overview on the space needs study.
Following the report of the Master Plan, Mr. Newhook said the feedback from council and the recreation advisory committee would need to be incorporated into the plan as well as the space needs study and the opportunity to work with staff to prepare implementation with capital costs and timing.
Master Plan
Mr. Newhook noted there were five goals regarding the master plan, including there be a liveable and age-friendly community to retain and attract residents; there be improved communication and information sharing regarding recreation and to recognize volunteer resources and celebrate contributions.
He noted the master plan is strictly a framework with an opportunity to develop policies, capital budgets and a relationship with the community and any recreational associations.
The township’s role must be clearly identified, Mr. Newhook said, adding community groups need to be optimized to provide a complementary service to recreation. A healthy, activity living plan needs to be developed, there needs to be a facility permitting and program registration as well as agreements between the municipality and schools for facilities as required, he added.
The township must develop policy, such as fees, and the role of volunteers in parks and facilities as well as a plan for volunteering, Mr. Newhook said.
There are also program gaps for adults; health and fitness; general interest programs and classes and arts and culture, he said.
Barriers to participation must be addressed and special events should be promoted more than they are, he added.
The three indoor arenas need to have capital plans developed and ensure each facility conforms with accessibility standards, Mr. Newhook said.
He noted there are three options for the arenas – maintain status quo, close one, two or all of them; twin pad one or all of them or construct a new multi-pad complex.
Over the next five years, if the status quo is the option, Mr. Newhook noted there will need to be a full capital plan, structural and ice system required for the Astrolabe Arena; while the Beachburg Arena requires capital conservation and the ice system must be monitored and the structural maintenance is imperative in Westmeath with no ice system maintenance.
In five to 10 years, there should be one to two ice pads with either two arenas, a twinned arena or a new twin sheet, he said, suggesting the Westmeath arena be changed to a natural ice surface or repurposed the floor.
In reviewing outdoor rinks, which do not compete with the indoor arenas, Mr. Newhook said there are limited rentals and minor capital improvements needed in Foresters Falls; the Beachburg rink is volunteer operated; while in Cobden there is interest expressed for an outdoor rink if it is volunteer supported.
The ball diamonds are seeing a decline in demand, are adequately supplied and minor improvements are required, he said.
The playgrounds/play structures need better age signage; should be inspected by certified inspectors and there be consideration of a splash pad at Astrolabe Park. While there was interest in a swimming pool, there is no inexpensive way for the township to pay for it. Mr. Newhook suggested partnership opportunities, such as with the Kinsmen Pool in Pembroke.
There are a variety of parks and open spaces the township can provide, such as neighbourhood, community and regional, he said. It works best if there is one hectare of parkland per 1,000 residents for a neighbourhood park. He also suggested there be minimum requirements of conveyed land for parks.
There are seven boat launches within Whitewater Region and there are various issues, such as insufficient parking during tournaments and finding kayaker access to the Ottawa River for pull-out, he noted.
Space Needs Study
There were eight project mandates for the space needs study for Beachburg and Astrolabe arenas, noted Ms. Matichuk. These included data collection and background information review; assessment of the general condition of buildings; accessibility audit of the buildings and sites; determination of space needs and land requirements and preliminary costing of the proposed concepts.
Mr. Rancier noted both facilities have been well maintained. However, both have older fixtures, are not fully handicapped accessible, and have small changerooms.
In reviewing the Beachburg Arena, Mr. Rancier noted many accessibility upgrades have taken place, but more are still needed, such as non-lever door handles, there is an incorrect height of door handles handles/locks, doors are not wide enough and the canteen counter is too high. There are also some issues with the facility’s outside, such as replacing the metal siding. The rink is nice, in good condition and has good lighting.
Ms. Matichuk said expansion of the Beachburg Arena is limited because it is surrounded by commercial, residential and agricultural properties.
In public consultations, the concerns were fixing the septic system, having additional paved parking and recreational needs have yet to be met.
The Astrolabe Arena in Cobden requires many accessibility upgrades, but the building’s exterior condition is in good condition.
Inside the arena is a totally different matter, Mr. Rancier said. There would need to be some modifications, including moving the lobby area, fixing up the general interior and revamping the changerooms and washrooms.
He noted the interior layout is awkward and many spaces are confined where people congregate. Some sprucing up with painting would also help the interior, he added.
While the second floor is in good shape, access for handicapped public needs to be addressed, as does the lighting and building code upgrades, he suggested.
In public consultations, it was noted there is insufficient parking, the agricultural society wants to expand its programming and public spaces in the arena are congested.
Ms. Matichuk then reviewed a proposed renovation and expansion of the Astrolabe Arena, which included a new elevator, new main entrance and lobby; new athletic change rooms, referee change rooms, handicapped washrooms, new canteen and kitchen and renovation of the second floor hall.
Costs
Costing out the projects, it was noted the Beachburg Arena proposed costs total $62,400. There were various cost proposals for the Astrolabe Arena, which included $391,400 if only accessibility and building upgrades were done; and just over $3.3 million for new construction and upgrades.
Ms. Matichuk even went a bit further, proposing a Community Park for Cobden or a parkette. The Community park is estimated at a cost of $1.53 million while the parkette would be $75,000.
Following a few comments from council and staff, it was agreed a final report would be brought back to council.
