Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Rec Centre Already Over Budget

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Owen Sound
by Jonathon Jackson    

Owen Sound's Regional Recreation Centre Steering Committee has a couple of significant challenges looming.

It’s getting ready for an October unveiling of plans to residents...many of whom have been asking what's happening.

And the committee also must figure out how to close a 1.8-million dollar gap between the cost of the project and the available funding.

City council was told Monday night that the estimated cost of the new multi-use facility at Victoria Park has climbed from just shy of 33 million dollars to just over 39.

City manager Jim Harrold says that cost can be reduced to about 37 million while the city can agree to raise its municipal contribution. 

Harrold says the proposed sale of the Family Y building on 2nd Avenue East would also add to the available funding. 

In the end -- that leaves a 1.8 million dollar discrepancy.

Councillors were adamant that no elements of the project be eliminated or reduced before the public has had a chance to comment.

It was noted that Georgian Bluffs, which previously said it would like to be involved, has yet to make a financial commitment. 

Meaford has not said whether it will get involved and it was also suggested that Grey County may be able to contribute. 

Councillor Jim McManaman, chair of the rec centre steering committee, says there are savings to be found and the committee will continue to work hard to find them.

He adds he’s looking forward to hearing from the public, not just what they think about the plans to be presented to them but also what ideas they might have for future components of the complex.

The complex is to incorporate a competition-sized eight-lane pool, two NHL-sized ice rinks, four program rooms and a seniors centre.