HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN-19-080 - Community, Culture & Recreation Grant ApplicationREPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:September 30, 2019
SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Hagey, Director of Financial Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7353
PREPARED BY: Ryan Hagey, Director of Financial Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7353
WARD (S) INVOLVED:N/A
DATE OF REPORT:September 18, 2019
REPORT NO.:FIN-19-080
SUBJECT:Community, Culture & Recreation GrantApplication
__________________________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That the following project application be approved for submission by the City of Kitchener
to the Community, Culture & Recreation Funding Stream of the Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program:
1.Aquatic Centre (RBJ Schlegel Park); and
That the following project applications be endorsed for submission by partner
organizations to the Community, Culture & Recreation Funding Stream of the Investing
in Canada Infrastructure Program:
1.Centre in the Square Washroom & Theatre Seating Replacementand Accessibility
Improvements
2.THEMUSEUM Rehabilitation and Accessibility Renovations; and further
That the Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of Infrastructure Services be
delegated authority to sign any relevant documentation and/or agreementspertaining to
the project applications to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, subject to the
satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
B
ACKGROUND:
At the 2019 AMO Conference in August, Premier Ford announced the opening of the
Community Culture & Recreation (CC&R) stream of the federal Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program. The CC&R is an application based grant program, which allows
municipalities to apply for as many projects as they wish under the two categories:
Multi-Purpose (new builds,expansions, large scale renovations), max $50M/project
Rehabilitation & Renovation (smaller rehabs & renos, accessibility), max $5M/project
Funding for the CC&R comes from all three levels of government as noted in the table below.
Percentage
Federal Contribution40.00%
Provincial Contribution33.33%
Municipal Contribution26.67%
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994for assistance.
5 - 1
The CC&R is focused on capital projects that improve access to and/or increase the quality of
cultural, recreational, and/or community infrastructure. This includes items such as:
Recreation facilities (e.g., hockey arenas, multipurpose recreation centres, playing
fields)
Cultural facilities (e.g., theatres, libraries, museums, cultural centres, civic squares,
performing arts centres)
Community centres / hubs (e.g., multi-purpose spaces that bring together a variety of
different services, community centres including recreation facilities)
Education and health facilities advancing Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to
Action (e.g., funding for new and/or existing Indigenous healing centres, spaces in
education facilities for traditional teaching/programming)
rdth
This round of the CC&R openedon September 3and will remain open until November 12,
with another intake round planned for 2021.While the intake for this round concludes in
November, both the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing indicated the
Province was keen to start reviewing and recommending applications to the Federal
government in September. Given these statements, and the fact the CC&R is a competitive
application process, staff believe there is urgency for the City to apply to the CC&R as soon as
possible instead of waiting until the end of the intake process.
REPORT:
The Recreation & Leisure Steering Committee (RLSC), a cross-functional staff team including
representatives from Neighbourhood Programs & Services, Parks & Cemeteries,Sport,
Facilities Management, Asset Management, Economic Development, Legal, Financial
Planning and Communications met in early September to consider the eligibility requirements
of the CC&R and develop a list of potential projects. In total, five City projects and two partner
projects were identified for submission to the CC&R. The list in order of priority is summarized
in the table below, and additional information about each of the seven projects is included as
an appendix to this report.
Prioritized List of CC&R Potential Projects
CostProject
Project Name
(2019 $s)Type
1Aquatic Centre (RBJ Schlegel Park)$22,000,000Growth
2Indoor Turf Field (RBJ Schlegel Park)$13,000,000Growth
Trails Infrastructure & Accessibility Enhancements &
3 $9,800,000Growth & Rehab
Improvements
4aCentre In The Square Washroom Replacement$3,000,000Partner
Centre in the SquareTheatre Seating Replacement
4b$1,350,000Partner
and Accessibility Improvements
5Mill Courtland Community Centre Addition$4,340,000Growth
Breithaupt Recreation Centre Rehabilitation &
6 $3,600,000Rehab
Upgrades
THEMUSEUM Rehabilitation and Accessibility
7 $880,000Partner
Renovations
5 - 2
Potential projects includethree types of projects:
a)Growthprojects focused on new facilities
b)Rehabilitationprojects focused on improving existing facilities
c) Partnerprojects focused on arts & culture facilities operated by another organization
After review and deliberation, the The Corporate Leadership Team chose to recommend the
top priority City project and endorse the two possible submissions from partner organizations.
The rationale for the recommended projects includes:
The aquatic centreis the #1 growth-related indoor recreation priority from the Leisure
Facilities Masterplan which was approved earlier this year by Council
o Growth-related projects were considered for the CC&R given the uncertainty
around the ability to fully fund recreation projects under new Community Benefit
Charge legislation (as opposed to development charges). Other municipalities
within the region (e.g. Wilmot and Woolwich) have leveraged grant funding to
build growth related recreation facilities, even under the more certain funding
framework of development charges.
Recreation facilities in the south end have been an identified priority dating back tothe
1991 ParksMasterplan.Securing grant funding for one of these projectswould provide
an opportunity to accelerate the completion of all these highly sought after facilities.
Joint applications (i.e. with partner organizationssuch as Centre in the Square and
THEMUSEUM) will be given additional consideration according to the Provincial
technical criteria.
In addition, the rationale to submit only one project from the City included:
The total per capita grant allocation for Kitchener (including federal, provincial, and local
contributions) is approximately $15,000,000. This would include all local applications
for the City as well as any other qualifying organizations in Kitchener.Including more
options from the City might dilute the City’s chance of securing funding for a larger
dollar project.
In the past when the City has submitted multiple projects for competitive funding
intakes, it has been awarded low priority projects with smaller overall costs.
Other projects could be included in the 2021 intake for the CC&R
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision through
the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
If successful in its application for the Aquatic Centre (RBJ Schlegel Park), the City would benefit
from more than $16M of grant funding from the federal/provincial governments, as shown in the
table below.This funding capacity could then be reallocated to advance other growth-related
recreation facilities through future budget deliberations.
5 - 3
Funding Allocationsfor Aquatic Centre (RBJ Schlegel Park)
Funding Partner% Share$ Share
Federal/Provincial73.33%$16,130,000
Local26.67%$5,870,000
Total100.00%$22,000,000
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jonathan Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer,Financial Services
Department
5 - 4
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Project Name Aquatic Centre (RBJ Schlegel Park)
Total Cost $22,000,000 (local share = $5,870,000)
Project Timing 2021-2025
Project The City of Kitchener Strategic Plan outlines the City’s commitment to
Description encourage participation in existing recreation facilities and move forward with
new recreation opportunities in underserved areas of the City. All City-owned
pools are currently operating at more than 90% capacity based on recent
findings of the 2019 Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP). Further, some pools
are operating at up to 107% capacity by extending operating hours and
adjusting program schedules. Based on Kitchener’s anticipated population
growth and the capacity of existing aquatic facilities, Kitchener will not be able
to meet the future demand for aquatic recreation activities without the
construction of a new pool.
In a recent public survey (2018), swimming and water sports were identified as
the most popular recreation programs among residents. Further, residents
ranked a new aquatic centre as the #1 indoor recreation priority for the City of
Kitchener. In addition, City Council identified a new aquatic centre at RBJ
Schlegel park as the #1indoor recreation facility priority through the 2019
LFMP, which aligns with the recommendation for advancing a pool dating back
to the 2005 LFMP.
While the new aquatic centre is still subject to a comprehensive public
engagement process and detailed need assessment (scheduled to begin in
2021), it is anticipated the centre will include: an eight-lane 25-metre pool
with moveable floor, ramp access, diving boards, universal change rooms,
bleacher seating and on-deck viewing, warm leisure pool with water features,
multi-purpose rooms and social space, public washrooms, offices, storage and
food and beverage service.
The estimated cost of the planning phase, which includes the business case
(which will include community engagement and needs assessment), site plan
and preliminary design is approximately $684,000. Construction and
commissioning is planned for 2024-2025 with an estimated cost of
$21,000,000. The construction cost estimate is based on industry best
practices and recent aquatic centre construction projects completed by other
Ontario municipalities.
Operating Impact The costs of operating an aquatic centres can vary significantly depending on
the amenities, services and programming offered out of the facility.
Breithaupt Centre was used as the benchmark to forecast the operating
impacts of the new aquatic centre at RBJ Schlegel Park.
5 - 5
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Expenses (2018 dollars)
Facility Maintenance (wages, utilities supplies) $689,000
Sport (wages, equipment, supplies) $1,325,000
Parks (parking lot and outdoor maintenance) $35,000
Total $2,049,000
Revenue (2018 dollars)
User fees, programs, camps, room rentals, etc. $912,000
It is important to note that Kitchener’s Corporate Climate Action Plan clearly
outlines the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2026.
To achieve this goal, the new aquatic centrewill be constructed as a net-zero
facility. A net-zero facility will improve functionality and services and help
reduce overall operating costs.
Project Name Indoor Turf Field (RBJ Schlegel Park)
Total Cost $13,000,000 (local share = $3,470,000)
Project Timing 2023-2027
Project The City of Kitchener made a public commitment to construct an indoor turf
Description field at RBJ Schlegel Park in both the 2013 and 2019 Leisure Facilities Master
Plans. The demand for an indoor turf facility continues to rise, which was
confirmed through the 2019 Leisure Facilities Master Plan process.
Budd Park, Kitchener’s only indoor turf facility, is currently operating at
maximum capacity on the weekends with limited available space on
weeknights. Further, in a 2018 public survey residents ranked a turf facility as
the 3rd most important indoor recreation priority and Council also ranked it
#3. A new indoor turf facility will be part of the Budd Park Replacement
Strategy, as well as address the increasing demandfor field sports.
While the indoor turf facility is still subject to a comprehensive public
engagement process and detailed needs assessment (scheduled to begin in
2023), it is anticipate the facility will include: an indoor field house with grass
like turf (to be divided to into three smaller fields) storage, washrooms and
dressing rooms, office space for sport organizations and ancillary meeting
rooms.
The estimated cost of the planning phase, which includes the business case
(which will include community engagement and a needs assessment), site plan
and preliminary design is approximately $511,000. Construction costs are
estimated at $12,500,000 spread over two years (2026 and 2027).
5 - 6
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Operating Impact The costs of operating indoor recreation facilities can vary depending on the
amenities, services and programming offered out of the facility. Budd Park was
used as the benchmark to estimate the operating impacts of the new indoor
turf facility. The new indoor turf facility will operate year round and is
expected to return a higher revenue than Budd Park, which only operates
three out of four seasons a year.
Expenses (2018 dollars)
Facility Maintenance (wages, utilities, supplies) $300,640
Sport (wages, equipment, supplies) $194,000
Parks (parking lot and outdoor maintenance) N/A – accounted for in aquatic
centre operating costs
Total Expenses$494,640
Revenue (2018 dollars)
User fees, programs, camps$275,000
It is important to note that Kitchener’s Corporate Climate Action Plan clearly
outlines the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2026.
To achieve this goal, the indoor turf field at RBJ Schlegel Park will be
constructed as a net-zero facility. A net-zero facility will improve functionality
and services and help reduce overall operating costs
Project Name Trails Infrastructure & Accessibility Enhancements & Improvements
Total Cost $9,800,000 (local share = $2,610,000)
Project Timing Starting in 2021 (or earlier as funding allows) to 2027
Project Aligned with the current City of Kitchener Strategic Plan, the City has
Description committed to an enhanced network of trails that connect communities across
Kitchener. This is also an emerging outcome of the evolving Cycling and Trails
Master Plan. The City has an extensive network of trails;
MUT (M ulti-u se t rails; surfaced, not associated with roads, largely
winter maintained);
Major (trails, often available to a range of users, generally gravel or
granular in nature, and not winter maintained) and;
Minor (established trails often serving a recreational (primary) purpose
and frequently not accessible to all users)
That link with the b MUT (B oulevard or trails designed for multiple users that
are aligned along City and Regional roads) network.
This network has evolved with the development of parks, greenspaces and
corridors that connect within and between communities and adds significant
value, oftendelivering safe and comfortable trails that support daily
5 - 7
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
recreational and active transportation purposes. The need to build and
enhance this network has been demonstrated through:
The high priority placed on trails supporting leisure activities through
the 2019 LFMP (Leisure Facilities Master Plan)
The focus on trails embedded within the People Friendly
Transportation element of the 2019 Strategic Plan and,
The emerging themes of the Cycling and Trails Master Plan
By focusing on rehabilitation, improvement and development of trails aligned
with these needs willprovide an accessible (to all modes of use, through all
seasons) network.
Further, in 2019, comprehensive work has been completed to review and
implement signage, brand and wayfinding best practices within our parks and
trail systems. Establishing consistent signage and wayfinding standards has
highlighted the need to enhance accessibility of our trails. This will be achieved
by upgrades to signage and wayfinding, implementing the best practices being
developed across the City’s existing network, focusing on targeted accessibility
improvements to enhance accessibility to all users to the network, and
innovative ways of improving wayfinding through tactile surfacing and digital
technologies. This will be delivered in collaboration with GRAAC (Grand River
Accessibility Advisory Committee) among others to meet and exceed the
requirements of the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) and
ensure a trail system that is welcome to all users.
While a detailed project plan will be developed, it is envisaged that the
following elements will make up part of the plan:
Comprehensive re-signing, way finding and branding of the City’s major
trails to align them with the work being completed to the Iron Horse
Trail including the Walter Bean, Spurline and Dom Cardillo Trails
Surface upgrades to sections of these trails as needed, and a phased
and planned approach to targeted surface improvements to existing
priority trails that support active transportation and recreation within
and between communities
Developing and implementing a program of tactile surface wayfinding
on trails to ensure accessibility to those with visual impairments,
including the development of a consistent level of braille signage to
accompany existing trail signs.
Implementing the phased delivery of on trail ‘painted’ wayfinding
aligned with other regional municipal partners – painting centre lines
and use recommendations on new and existing multi use trails
5 - 8
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Working with the Innovation Lab to develop data based tools that
provide for a better accessibility experience to trail information,
developing ‘talking maps’, accessibility data layers to inform users of
trail characteristics and considering the use of integrated mobile
technology to our signage and wayfinding platform.
Operating Impact The focus of this work will be twofold:
1.Addressing existing infrastructure needs – upgrade to existing trails,
addressing specific problem areas on existing trails, adding signage and
wayfinding elements to existing trails. As work is focused on an existing
asset, operating impacts will be kept to a minimum.
2.Continuing to build a high quality trail system that supports multi-
modal off road use supporting both recreational and active
transportation outcomes and ensuring that enhanced trail systems
support high quality wayfinding and signage, and embed innovative
accessibility supports ensure access for all across as much of our trail
network as possible is supported.
There are operating costs associated with any areas of new trail that would be
developed and, depending on desired service levels,if trails are enhanced and
then added to a year round maintenance cycle (including winter maintenance)
there will be an impact to both equipment needs and operations. These
impacts have not been quantified, but would be driven by a number of
ongoing projects, specifically the winter sidewalk work and Cycling and Trails
Master Plan. As such, increased operating costs will be driven by service levels
to be established and approved by Council, not specifically the elements being
identified within this grant request.
5 - 9
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Project Name Centre In The Square Washroom Replacement
Total Cost $3,000,000 (local share = $800,000)
Project Timing 2020, 2021, 2022
Project A Building Condition Assessment and an Accessibility Audit have identified that
Description public and back of house washrooms require refurbishment and accessibility
upgrades. All washrooms are in poor condition, with finishes well past end of
life and require significant upgrades to improve accessibility and to meet
AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005) compliance. In
addition, new washroom space must be constructed to maintain current
fixture count. A subsequent Washroom Refurbishment study also found that
ventilation was inadequate, with current exhaust rates well below minimum
Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements, and even further below best
practice for this application. As a result, significant HVAC improvements will
have to be made.
The total estimated cost for this project is $3,000,000 and is planned to occur
in 3 phases- Design (2020), Phase 1 Construction (2021), Phase 2 Construction
(2022). The schedule aligns with a stated purpose of the AODA Act -
“developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to
achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods,
services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and
premises on or before January 1, 2025”.
Operating Impact The washroom refurbishment will greatly improve the audience experience
and improve traffic flow and accessibility to the washrooms. Reducing the wait
time to the washrooms during performance intermissions improves bar
revenue.
There will be a reduction in the annual maintenance costs of the washrooms.
New plumbing fixtures will result in less water use and a reduction of utility
costs. The washrooms will be easier to clean and airflow and odor issues will
be resolved.
The overall impact to the operating budget will be neutral or perhaps offer a
small savings.
5 - 10
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Project Name Centre in the Square Theatre Seating Replacement and Accessibility
Improvements
Total Cost $1,350,000 (local share = $360,000)
Project Timing 2022, 2023
Project This project includes the replacement of 1,881 fixed theatre seats installed in
Description 1998 that are beyond the end of their life cycle. It includes the reconfiguration
of some seating to allow for additional accessible seating in locations that
permit access directly from the ground floor of the main lobby.
In addition, the project will include the replacement of four seating wagons
located on the two orchestra pit lifts used to remove and store theatre seats
located on the orchestra pit. These wagons are original to the building installed
in 1980.
Operating Impact The replacement of the seating will provide an increase in available accessible
seating, provide direct access to the accessible seating from the main lobby
and improve the audience experience. This project is part of the modernization
of this 40-year-old facility with the goal to achieve accessibility for Ontarians
with disabilities in the facility as stated in the AODA act.
It will reduce the annual maintenance cost of the seating by approximately
$10,000 annually in the first 5 years. This includes approximately 15 days of
labour.
Project Name Mill Courtland Community Centre Addition
Total Cost $4,340,000 (local share = $1,160,000)
Project Timing 2020 - 2023
Project The Mill Courtland Community Centre is scheduled for an expansion to meet
Description programming needs of the area. The project will include an expansion of
programming spaces (eg. program rooms, foyer and offices) as well as
appropriate renovations to the existing facility to optimize space use and flow.
Exact details of the addition requirements to be determined in the needs
assessment, scheduled for 2020.
Needs assessment completed in 2020. Design in 2021. Construction 2022-23.
Operating Impact Mill Courtland currently uses a staffing model associated with our small
community centres. It is anticipated that the expansion will increase
programming to where it will be necessary to increase staffing to the model of
our mid-sized community centres adding $45,000 for Neighbourhood
Programs & Services administration staff and $35,000 for Facilities
Management costs including custodial, security, utilities, and maintenance.
5 - 11
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Project Name Breithaupt Recreation Centre Rehabilitation & Upgrades
Total Cost $3,600,000 (local share = $960,000)
Project Timing 2020 - 2027
Project Breithaupt Recreation Centre (BRC)is one of the oldest multi-use facilities in
Description our portfolio and includes aquatics facilities and community program areas. As
facilities age, investments to rehabilitate and refurbish building components
and to address accessibility is necessary. The 2019 Leisure Facilities Master
Plan, which was unanimously endorsed by City Council, outlines several
recommendations to invest and maintain existing recreation facilities. Based
on a Building Condition Assessment in 2018, a multi-year refurbishment
program is proposed:
Component Description Estimate
A-Substructure Foundation wall; slab on grade
$15,000
repairs
B - EnvelopeRoofing replacements; soffits; wall
cladding; windows; skylights; exterior $520,000
doors etc.
C- Interiors Interior partition walls; interior
specialties; ceilings; wall coverings; $350,000
acoustical tiles; flooring etc.
D – Services Elevators; plumbing; electrical and
HVAC systems; fire suppression
$1,950,000
system; generator; voice & data
network etc.
E – Equipment & Furnishings; athletic & recreational
Furnishings equipment; waste handling units;
$85,000
cash registers /POS; fixed & mobile
seating
F – Special Pool components and equipment
$225,000
Construction
G -Sitework Asphalt Pavement; sidewalks;
$500,000
landscaping; signage etc.
TOTAL $3,645,000
Operating Impact This does not include an expanded footprint for BRC, so there should be
minimal impacts to operating costs for staffing. With upgraded, energy
efficient systems, a savings on utilities could be realized.
5 - 12
Community, Culture & Recreation Grant Application
Project Summaries
Project Name THEMUSEUM Rehabilitation and Accessibility Renovations
Total Cost $880,000(local share = $230,000)
Project Timing 2021-2027
Project Collaboratively, THEMUSEUM and City staff identify priorities for capital
Description projects that maintain this City-owned facility and support the programming
requirements of THEMUSEUM. The following list represents projects that
would replace end of life components and improve accessibility and visitor
experiences:
-Washroom upgrades on all five floors to meet accessibility standards.
This includes replacing all fixtures; install automatic flushes and
fixtures; and replace counter tops. This includes men’s, women’s and
family facilities. ($200,000)
-Roof replacement ($520,000)
-Skylight repairs, including automated round cover system ($100,000)
-Replacing the white board sliding doors in our classrooms for improved
accessible learning. ($30,000)
rdth
-Refinishing the 3and 4 floor exhibition space floors. ($8,000)
-Repair and replace wall sections and tile drop ceiling near rear entrance
($10,000)
-Automatic light systems in all rooms in basement, fourth floor offices
and electrical rooms. Dimmers for lights in the Atrium ($10,000)
-Replace weather stripping exterior doors ($2,000)
Operating Impact Receiving this grant would have a significant impact on accessibility and
cultural experiences at THEMUSEUM. These renovation and maintenance
items have identified in the City’s facility maintenance plan for the facility.
THEMUSEUM will also benefit from the inclusion of projects that will improve
accessibility and functionality.
A more enjoyable and accessible cultural experience for our visitors will
increase the positive visibility of THEMUSEUM in the City of Kitchener and will
increase earned revenue from visitors and facility rentals.
These renovations will not result in new immediate staff, and will positively
impact utility budgets by continuing to make the building more energy
efficient and by helping to conserve water and energy. It will also improve the
facility overall, making major initial improvements for the future of
THEMUSEUM.
5 - 13