The Kemble Community Centre (Arena) in Georgian Bluffs. (file photo)
Georgian Bluffs council is putting the planned renovation of the Kemble Area on hold until additional funding for the project can be found to meet the cost of inflation.
During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 1, a report was brought forward by Director of Community Services Niall Lobley.
It recommended council defer the project until more funding is found after the initial budget of $1.7 million was increased to $5.72 million.
Township council officially approved the deferral at its meeting on Wednesday night (Feb. 8).
It was also recommended withdrawing the grant application to the Infrastructure Canada Investing in Canada Community, Culture and Recreation stream, and apply to Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Building fund.
During the development of the Recreation and Trails Master Plan, based on feedback from residents, the current arena is not living up to community needs. After applying for funding from an infrastructure program, a budget of $1.7 million was allocated for the project, with construction anticipated for this year.
The report says it became clear through developing and costing the preferred concept of the area, the budget for the project does not meet the required amount to renovate the facility.
Following the assessment completed in 2018/19, between 2018 and 2023, construction prices increased substantially. Factoring in continued inflationary pressures, staff are recommending the new budget for the project be considered at $5.72 million.
Staff are recommending pursuing new funding programs, as Infrastructure Canada is currently accepting applications for the second and final intake for a funding program which funds new building and retrofits in communities which support inclusive use and achieve environmental enhancements. As part of the funding, projects must be completed no later than spring 2026, with the deadline to apply being the end of February.
If council directs staff to do so, they will apply to the program and request $5.72 million for the project, leaving the municipality to find funding for the remaining $1.144 million elsewhere.
Based on community consultation, the concept design of the arena features a multi use community hall, multi purpose community room, multiple storage areas and office, gender neutral wash and changing rooms, large foyer area, and a kitchen.
“Following extensive community engagement and consultation, a preferred concept design meeting the needs of community and the aspirations of the grant commitment has been developed. Through this process, the basis on which the initial budged used for the grant application, was not comprehensive enough or inclusive of all costs associated with the scope committed to in the grant application,” says the report.
CAO Cynthia Fletcher added through an upcoming community priority plan process, they will be conducting further community engagement on what residents think is needed in the municipality, including at recreational facilities.
Mayor Sue Carleton proposed taking a step back from the project and determine what the community needs.
“What do we need, where do we need, and what all could be included in that. Then when we have got that all together and we have good pricing on what it is going to cost, then wait for a grant to come up that we can apply for,” says Carleton.
Fletcher says about $30,000 has already been spent on the project, with an additional $150,000 allocated for background work, investigations, contract, administration, and architect costs to facilitate the engagement and design process.
Staff will be providing an update on project funding by fall of this year.
