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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-08 Meeting NotesGeorge Acorn — Newcastle Memorial Board Meeting Tuesday June 8 - During the General Gov Meeting May 101h, George presented to Council a report for a new recreation facility in the Bowmanville area, specifically the Baseline location. The report indicated four potential sites including the original south Bowmanville (Baseline) and the Garnet Rickard Complex sites - The report was referred back to staff to provide more information on the feasibility of building onto the existing Garnet Rickard Complex. Staff are expecting to report back to Council on the feasibility of this proposal. (Oct 19, Nov 11) - In this report, staff also advised that both Orono and Newcastle Arenas, according to the September 2020 I.B. Storey reports, had arena floors in excess of 40 years, beyond their life expectancy. - Council was also advised that Community Services would be meeting with both Arena Boards to discuss plans to replace the arena floors, boards and glass systems as well as some additional refrigeration upgrades/repairs for both Orono and Newcastle locations. The plan is to repair/replace before these failed, as this could have drastic impact on their ice seasons and revenues. - Community Services will be working with the different Board/facilities to create a scope of work, and report back to Council this Fall for approval of finances needed to complete these projects over the next 2 years. - Schedule for this project will be during Spring and Summer of 2022, and the other facility in the Spring and Summer of 2023. The idea to complete both projects during the same year, was scrapped for concerns over quality of work, and completion timetable. George will discuss with IB Storey, to see which facility will need the work completed first, and the other facility will be planned for 2023. - The goal is that these renovations completed will extend the lifecycle of Newcastle for another 10+ years - The Indoor Facilities Development Strategy had indicated an expansion of two ice pads at Diane Hamre to commence design in 2026. As this Strategy is merely a planning tool for staff the details and dates for any proposed expansion plans reside solely with Council and are subject to change. Regardless of a future decision on expansion at Diane Hamre, Community Services are recommending these repairs and upgrades are planned for the next few years. Again, timeframe for new facility is up to Council to decide. - Regardless of where the next ice pads are constructed, Community Services is prepared to assist with allocation of ice time to Newcastle minor ice users to assist with any supply challenges at the Newcastle Arena. Questions; 1. Sue —Appreciate you (George) coming onto our call, and for all the support. With regards to the plans for repairs/renovations planned for Newcastle, has there been any thought about accessibility? George- At the Darlington facility, the project incorporated a major facelift both on the inside and outside, and part of the project was accessibility to the lobby and viewing area. For Newcastle, there should be a discussion on what is needed/wanted for repairs/improvements. Once we have a scope of the project or asks, it can be presented to Council for approval and financial support. Dave — Newcastle Board to provide a "Wish" list of what we would like to see in terms of projects. Plan to have this list presented to George and his team in late August for discussion and costing. 2. Bryan —What time frame will the Board and floor replace take? George — I believe it will be 3-4 months. Concrete curing takes almost a month on its own. Bryan — Do we know when we are on schedule for repairs? Would like to inform our Summer user groups prior, so they can find alternatives. George — Won't know until the fall after the meeting with Council. Might have a better idea in September. 3. Margaret — inform the Board that George is a Newcastle resident..... Scope of work at Darlington included a facelift. George — yes, better entrance, expanded the lobby for space and accessibility. No work was done to the dressing rooms, which having only 4 is a challenge. Also replaced some mechanical systems. Margaret — Darlington does not look like a 50-year-old arena, very pleasing. Is this something we can look at for Newcastle? George — yes, this can be added to the project list, and depending on scope and cost and priority. Margaret — Should we look at having costs associated with this wish lists? George — we can assess costs on the lists are completed, however the costs of construction material has increase drastically due to Covid. Roughly the Arena Floor, Board, and Cooling system is around 1.5 million based on the report. The scope will probably be closer to 3 million, as building codes and requirements will also increase the scope of the project. While we can look at the wish list, we also can't go to Council with an unrealistic budget cost. Margaret —The new twin pad at Newcastle, will this be completed during the life of the old facility? George — Unless something drastic happens, we can't closedown arenas without replacing them. The demand is more then the 7 rinks currently in use, even with the 2 new pads in Bowmanville, if the demand exceeds this, Newcastle new build needs to be considered. Also, with this new facility, there will be other features added, not just ice pads. The demands for these other features are increasing, so does the need for expansion at Diane Hamre in the future. 4. Sue — IB storey report indicated things needed to be replaced "ASAP". Where is Newcastle vs Orono in terms of which facility needs to be dealt with first? George — Both facilities are close in the same condition. He will discuss with the engineer from the IB report to see if there is a priority. From, his point of view, both are in need equally. Dave's email question, Operational challenges due to the drop of the concrete apron. George will discuss with Ken, and Bryan as to the options or something temporary that could solve the problem. Since the plan is to replace the floor in the next few years, the Board can live with this issue till then. The Newcastle Memorial Arena Board is very appreciative of George spending time with us and providing some insights into timelines and what the upcoming plans are. We also are very thankful for his patience and willingness to answer our questions after his presentation. The Board looks forward to our continued working relationship as we strive to provide a gratifying recreational facility for Newcastle residents.