HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-056 - Referral of Projects to the 2010-2019 Capital ForecastREPORT
REPORT TO:
Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: October 26, 2009
SUBMITTED BY:
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services
PREPARED BY:
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services (ext.
2646)
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
All
DATE OF REPORT:
October 5, 2009
REPORT NO.:
CSD-09-056
SUBJECT: REFERRAL OF PROJECTS TO THE 2010-2019 CAPITAL
FORECAST – COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the following capital projects be included in the 2010-2019 capital forecast for
consideration by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee as part of the 2010
budget deliberations, as outlined in staff report CSD-09-056.
Capital ProjectAmountYear
1.Bridgeport Community Centre
$351,0002010
2.McLennan Park (timing change)
$02010-2015
3.Parks Master Plan Recommendations
3.1 Community Trails $1,160,0002011-2019
3.2 Environment/Naturalization
$800,0002014-2019
3.3 General Park Development
$1,215,0002011-2019
3.4 General Park Rehabilitation $1,000,0002013-2019
3.5 Sportsfield Synthetic Turf Conversions
$1,299,0002019
4.Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad Improvements
$300,0002010
5.Williamsburg Cemetery Phase II and Mausoleum
$4,957,0002010-2019
BACKGROUND:
All new capital projects with budgets in excess of $50,000 are referred to the City’s ten-year
capital forecast by a resolution of Council. They are then evaluated during the budget approval
process against all other project priorities and funding constraints. This report provides
information and recommendations with respect to new project priorities for the Community
Services Department.
REPORT:
The following capital project requests are brought forward for consideration by Finance and
Corporate Services Committee.
1.Bridgeport Community Centre
Funding of $351,000 (CC) in 2010 is requested to contribute to the expansion of the
centre including additional storage, meeting space and gymnasium.
This project has been approved through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and this
request is to include the City’s contribution in the capital forecast.
Further details are provided in the attached issue paper.
2.McLennan Park
Funding re-allocation is requested as follows to complete the park development
including: skateboard park, Blackhorne Drive entrance, park roadway, parking, lighting,
picnic shelter, washroom building, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, accessible
playstructure, community trails, landscaping, splash pad and picnic areas.
(dollars in thousands)
Funding Source 2010201120142015 Total
Site Development C/C 443(493)(81)(574)
Site Development DC (1,683)(175)(1,415)
Skateboard Park C/C (50)577
Annual Impact to Capital 39357(2,176)(256)(1,982)
Grant – Stimulus Fund 2,000
This project has been approved through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and this
request is to include the City’s contribution in the capital forecast.
Further details are provided in the attached issue paper.
3.Parks Master Plan Recommendations
Development of the Parks Master Plan is currently in progress and although not yet
finalized, has identified a need to increase capital funding in a number of areas,
including Community Trails, General Park Development, General Park Rehabilitation,
Environment/Naturalization management. It is anticipated that the final report will be
tabled in early 2010 and a full implementation plan and financing strategy will be
developed throughout 2010. In the meantime, it is being recommended that some
capital funding capacity be earmarked in the 2010-2019 Capital Forecast to start to
address these needs. It should be noted that the funding being earmarked at this time
achieves the funding levels recommended in the Parks Master Plan by the end of the
forecast period, but only represents 45% of the total funding recommended for the 10
year period. Priority has been placed on funding the backlog of general park
development in new neighbourhoods as well as development of community trails.
3.1Community Trails
Additional funding of $1,160,000 (C/C) from 2011 to 2019 is requested for
improvement of existing trails and new trail development to resolve large gaps in
the existing system and add new trails in growth areas.
(dollars in thousands)
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C851001001001001001252002501,160
DC
Total851001001001001001252002501,160
3.2Environment/Naturalization
Additional funding of $800,000 (C/C) from 2014 to 2019 is requested to develop
and implement management plans for natural areas. Staff will develop a ten-
year plan in the first year to identify priority areas requiring management plans.
When these plans have been developed, and supported by the public, this capital
account will also fund their implementation.
(dollars in thousands)
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C50100100100100100800
DC
Total50100100100100100800
3.3General Park Development
Additional funding of $1,215,000 (C/C) from 2011 to 2019 is requested for
neighbourhood park design and construction. There are approximately twenty
undeveloped and planned parks that require funding. This backlog of parks
creates challenges for families moving into new residential areas where parks
have not yet been funded and implemented. This funding increase is required to
accelerate the current neighbourhood park development pace in order to meet
the expectations of residents.
(dollars in thousands)
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C851001001001001251252302501,215
DC
Total851001001001001251252302501,215
3.4General Park Rehabilitation
Additional funding of $1,000,000 (C/C) from 2013 to 2019 is requested for
rehabilitation of existing neighbourhood parks. There are 31 existing
neighbourhood parks within the “older city” potentially in need of rehabilitation,
repair or upgrade. Parks are a City asset whereby the infrastructure necessitates
repair and upgrades over time. Neighbourhoods and their parks have
experienced many changes that affect their current use (demographic changes,
changing cultural trends, service level expectations, increase in leisure activities,
etc.). Universal access to our neighbourhood parks is essential to meet the
needs of all ages, abilities, cultures and income levels. Many of our existing
parks in older areas of the city do not meet these needs.
(dollars in thousands)
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C1001001001251252002501,000
DC
Total1001001001251252002501,000
3.5Sportsfield Synthetic Turf Conversions
Funding of $1,299,000 (2019 $422.000 C/C and $877,000 DC) is requested to
convert existing fields from grass to synthetic. Opportunities for partnerships and
other methods of capital financing will be investigated in 2010 in order to
accelerate the commencement of the program.
Over a ten year period, the synthetic field will have collected $1.5 million in
revenue through user fees and will have saved $250,000 in operating expenses.
With the development of a synthetic field and the additional hours of use, one
synthetic field would equal the total hours of use of four grass fields. The
synthetic field would actually cost less in the long term and would minimize the
amount of additional land needed to build sportsfields.
Further details are provided in the attached issue papers as well as Report CSD-09-058
(Parks Master Plan Update) attached to the October 26, 2009 CSC agenda.
4.Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad Improvements
Funding of $300,000 (C/C) in 2010 is requested for rehabilitation of the existing
Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad Arena to enhance service and improve energy
efficiency.
This project has been approved through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and this
request is to include the City’s contribution in the capital forecast.
Further details are provided in the attached issue paper.
5.Williamsburg Cemetery Phase II
Funding of $3,157,000 (2010 - $245,000 C/C; 2015 - $1,064,000 - 50% D/C and 50%
C/C; 2016 - $1,848,000 – 50% D/C and 50% C/C): is requested to fund the development
of Williamsburg Cemetery Phase II.
In addition, funding of $1,800,000 (2018 $900,000 C/C and 2019 $900,000 C/C) is
requested for the development of a mausoleum at Williamsburg Cemetery.
Further details are provided in Report CSD-09-057 (Cemeteries Master Plan) attached
to the October 26, 2009 CSC agenda.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
If supported, the capital projects proposed in this report will be referred to capital budget
deliberations on November 16, 2009. They will then be evaluated against all other capital
projects and funding constraints within the ten-year forecast.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: Bridgeport Community Centre Expansion
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services – Community Programs and Services
PREPARER: Mark Hildebrand, Director Community Programs and Services
BACKGROUND:
On January 27, 2009, as part of an Infrastructure Stimulus Fund plan, the Federal Government
designated $6.4 billion over two years for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure
projects. Included in this stimulus plan was the Recreational Infrastructure Canada fund which
was created to assist with construction of new, or upgrades to existing, recreational facilities.
The two main criteria for projects to qualify for funding were:
1. Projects must be “shovel ready” and completed by the end of 2010; and
2. Projects must be incremental to the City’s existing 2009 capital forecast.
The Bridgeport Community Centre expansion was a project deemed appropriate for this funding
and as such, staff applied and was successful in receiving funds to compete the project.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
The Bridgeport Community Centre is being expanded to meet the increasing needs of the
Bridgeport Community. The business case identified additional requirements such as a single
gymnasium, a medium sized meeting/activity room, additional storage, additional office space
and an improved lounge and lobby area. To help mitigate funding challenges, the expansion
was initially proposed in two phases, including a small expansion and renovation in the first
phase, and a larger expansion and renovation in a second phase, when resources could be
allocated. However with the acquisition of additional stimulus funding, it is now possible to
complete the entire renovation sooner benefiting the community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The City of Kitchener will need to contribute $849,000 to complete phase I and II of the
Bridgeport Community Centre expansion. As a result, an additional $351,000 is required in the
2010 Capital budget to move forward with this project.
RECOMMENDATION:
That $351,000 is placed in the 2010 Capital budget to help fund the City of Kitchener’s
contribution to phase I and II of the Bridgeport Community Centre expansion.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] – McLennan Park Development
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operations
BACKGROUND:
McLennan Park is located near the corner of Strasburg Road and Ottawa Street. The park
includes 97 acres on a former landfill site and is currently owned by the Region of Waterloo.
In June 2003, Council approved the Concept Plan for the park development which includes
amenities such as community trails, parking lots, toboggan hill, skateboard park, bike park,
leash free dog park, playground, washrooms, basketball & volleyball courts, picnic area, etc.
In November 2006 Council approved the long term lease agreement between the Regionof
Waterloo and the City of Kitchener which would lead the way to begin the park development.
In 2008 the first phase of four was completedand included the main entrance and parking off
Ottawa Street, the toboggan hill, community trails, lighting, leash free dog area and landscaping.
In early 2009 the bike park was completed.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
On June 5, 2009 it was announced that the City of Kitchener received funding approvalfor
infrastructure projects of which McLennan Park’s eligible costs of $3.0M were included. In order
to receive the funding, the infrastructure projects had to meet two requirements:
A. Project must be completed by Mach 31, 2011.
B. The City must contribute 1/3 funding of the total eligible project cost.
The acceleration of the McLennan Park project will realize the development of the 2003
Concept Plan in an opportune time where the disruption to the park will be over only one
construction season, benefit from the infrastructure program and move forward a much needed
park facility for the community.
The McLennan Park infrastructure project will consist of the following facilities: skateboard park,
Blackhorne Drive entrance, park roadway, parking, lighting, picnic shelter, washroom building,
basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, accessible playstructure, community trails,
landscaping, splash pad and picnic areas.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The estimated cost for the completion of McLennan Park is $3.0M.
The Federal and Provincial infrastructure funding of $2.0M is identified as a grant in 2010.
The City’s $1.0M share is identified in the ten year capital budget as follows:
2010 -McLennan Park (DC) $443,000
2011 -McLennan Park Skateboard Park (C/C) $557,000
2009-10-21
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding Source 2010201120142015Total
Site Development C/C 443(493)(81)(574)
Site Development DC (1,683)(175)(1,415)
Skateboard Park C/C (50)577
Annual Impact to Capital 39357(2,176)(256)(1,982)
Grant – Stimulus Fund 2,000
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approve the adjustments to the 10 year capital forecastfor McLennan Park and
the McLennan Park Skateboard Park as the source for the City of Kitchener’s 1/3 share of
funding for the Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund eligible project costs totaling
$3.0M.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] – Community Trails
FUND: Capital Budget
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operation
BACKGROUND:
In 1990 the City of Kitchener Department completed a Leisure Facilities Strategy which detailed
the phased priority of parks and recreation facilities for Kitchener’s parks and open spaces.
Included in this strategy was a Community Trail Development Master Plan to guide the phased
priority construction of a continuous system of community trails throughout Kitchener.
This system included trails linking parks and open spaces within and between neighbourhoods
as well as city wide trails which later became known as the Trans-Canada Trail, Iron Horse Trail
and the Walter Bean Grand River Trail.
Capital funding for the community trail system in the 20 years following this master plan allowed
for the implementation of only a small portion of this vision.
The 2005 Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) identifies our community trails as “increasingly
valuable asset” and recommended that “a commitment be made to develop unfinished linkages
in the community trail system” within previously developed areas of Kitchener as well as “the
continuing extension…into newly developing areas…”
The City of Kitchener Park Master Plan to be completed in 2009 examined in greater detail the
parks and open space requirements to realize the objectives of the LFMP including the following
observations regarding our community trails:
Universal access and use is required to meet the needs of all ages, abilities, cultures,
income levels etc.
Community trails serve the broadest public user group
Walking is the #1 leisure activity of Kitchener residents
Community trails serve both transportation and recreation functions
Based on the findings of the 2005 LFMP the Community Trail capital budget was increased from
$115,000 in 2006 to $284,200 in 2009.
The City’s current 2010 capital forecast as approved in the 2009-2018 Capital Budget includes
$282,000 for Community Trails.
The 2009 Park Master Plan recommends a capital budget of $500,000 each year starting in
2010 and the preparation of a Trails Implementation Strategy to identify specific capital priorities
for improvement of existing trails (surfacing, trailheads, signage, accessibility, and amenities)
and new trail development to resolve large gaps in the existing system and add new trails in
growth areas.
2009-10-21
RATIONALE ANALYSIS:
/
An increase in Community Trail funding in the Capital budget is recommended in the 2009 Park
Master Plan. The recommended funding levels identified in the Parks Master Plan for all parks
and open space are being presented to Council for consideration during the current 2010
budget and forecast deliberations, the Community Trails funding is one part of that package.
The increased funding specific to Community Trails is required for the following reasons:
Less than half of the community trail corridors identified in the 1990 Leisure Facilities
Strategy have seen the development of completed community trails. These corridors
include the valley lands of the primary water course, such asSchneider and Strasburg
Creeks and tributary greenways, which provide essential linkages in the trail system.
Large portions of the trail system identified in 1990 along the Grand River have been
completed through the generous donations facilitated by the Walter Bean Grand River Trail
Foundation. Significant portionsof this trail still remain incomplete and the funding through
donations, now administered by the Grand River Conservation Foundation, will cover less
than half of the remaining costs.
Subdivision development has provided steady growth in the past two decades. In many
cases community trails were identified on plans of subdivision with the details and
construction costs left in the hands of the City after subdivisions have been completed.
Provincial policies related to valley lands and natural areas have become more rigorous of
the past 20 years, along with public awareness and interest in these areasand the
implementation of community trails in natural areas often require detailed environmental
studies and more costly trail solutions such as boardwalks and bridges.
Public use of the community trails has consistently grown in level of use and popularity by a
wide range of age groups and abilities. This will require the reconstruction of some trail links
to facilitate accessibility as well as the paving of many high use trails to satisfy public
demand for fully functional multi-use trails. The Iron Horse Trail is one successful example.
The implementation of signage and ‘way finding’ on existing community trails has not kept
pace with the development of trails. Greater public use of these facilities in a growing multi-
cultural community requires consistent and comprehensive signage.
Growth in the use of community trails as cycling transportation corridors, such as presented
in the Regional Cycling Master Plan, will require a higher standard of development to
facilitate this use. This includes asphalt paving of trails and improved street crossings.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on capital funding availability, $1,160,000 of additional funding over 10 years will be
allocated for Community Trail development.
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C851001001001001001252002501,160
DC
Total851001001001001001252002501,160
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves total additional funding of $1,160,000 over 2011-2019 for Community
Trails, beginning in 2011.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] – Environmental / Naturalization
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operations
BACKGROUND:
Kitchener has a long history of protecting its’ natural areas. Today, 900 hectares of natural lands
accounts for 65% of the City’s park system. The natural heritage features (e.g. woodlands,
valley lands, waterways, wetlands) are critical components of the community’s biodiversity and
health. These areas are also important for their social and recreational values.
The traditional view has been that once protected, these areas will take care of themselves.
However, today it is recognized that natural areas must be actively managed.
In 2006 the City took the first step in this direction by creating Kitchener’s Natural Areas
Program (KNAP). The goal of KNAP is to engage the community in natural area stewardship
and education. In 2009 Council approved the Stewardship & Conservation funding in the
amount of $169,000 in 2009. This capital fund provides long term funding for the KNAP which
includes a Natural Area Coordinator and much needed “stewardship and education” projects.
The Parks Master Plan, scheduled for completion in 2009 identified “Natural Areas” as a key
strategic theme emerging from the information gathered through extensive research and
consultation. The Master Plan also identified that “the following areas to be addressed for
Natural Areas as follows:
Standardized approach to data collection, organization and management
Terminology and classification used with respect to parks & natural areas
Raising awareness of existing natural areas
Allocation of resources to appropriate management of natural areas
Balancing natural areas protection with public access/trail opportunities
Stewardship”
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
Kitchener’s Natural Parks provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the
community. An increase in the amount of $200,000 per year for the Environment / Naturalization
capital budget within the ten year capital forecast is recommended in the 2009 Parks Master
Plan.
This request for additional funding is also consistent with Corporate and Department Strategic
Priorities, including:
A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener
Strategic Plan for the Environment
Leisure Facilities Master Plan
CSD Strategic Plan & Master Action Plan
The first step in developing a conservation and recreation strategy for Kitchener’s Natural Areas
is the development and implementation of “Management Plans” for natural areas. These
2009-10-21
Management Plans will identify the required infrastructure (e.g. access points, trails) to support
public use, while at the same time addressing the ecological structures and functions of the area
to ensure their conservation. In addition to traditional park practices, ecological based
management and maintenance practices (e.g. protection of sensitive habitat\species at risk,
invasive species control) will be required.
The implementation of these Management Plans will be directly linked back to KNAP through
stewardship and education opportunities. With over 80 natural areas in the City and no
Management Plans in place there is a significant backlog.
Staff will develop a ten year plan in the first year to identify priority areas (e.g. Huron Natural
Area, Homer Watson Park, Lackner Woods, Breithaupt Park, Monarch Woods, Tilts Bush,
Strasburg Creek Woods, Topper Woods) requiring Management Plans. Once individual
Management Plans have been developed, and supported by the public this capital account will
also fund their implementation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on capital funding availability, $800,000 of additional funding will be allocated for
Environment / Naturalization.
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C50100100100200250800
DC
Total50100100100200250800
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves the addition of $800,000 to the 10 year capital forecast for
Environmental \ Naturalization beginning in 2014.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] – General Park Development
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operations
BACKGROUND:
On October 23, 2006, Community Services Report (CSD-06-105) identified a backlog of 17
undeveloped parks in newer residential areas. The 2006 funding level for General
(neighbourhood) Parks at the time was $134,000. The average cost of park development at the
time was approximately $75-90,000 per hectare. Neighbourhood park sizes may vary from 0.5
to 6.0 hectares in size. With the budget at the time, one (possibly two) parks were being
developed per year.
During the 2007 budget process, the General Park budget for 2008 was increased to $338,000,
effectively allowing the City to currently develop approximately 2-3 neighbourhood parks per
year at the current service level. New parks are dedicated to the City through the subdivision
development process at a rate of 1-6 parks per year; this dedication rate can be extremely
variable. In 2008 staff completed 4 parks, throughout 2009 staff will have completed 4 parks, 5
parks are planned and underway and there are 15 undeveloped parks.
The Parks Master Plan, scheduled to be completed in 2009 examined the long term goals and
strategies for park development. Through the “concerns/issues/weakness” analysis the
participants identified “the city is behind in the development of parks in new areas which creates
challenges with residents in new areas related to service expectation.”
Within the “service level” review, the Parks Master Plan identified that the City of Kitchener’s
funding per hectare is comparably lower than other municipalities; the City of Barrie for example
receives $100,000 to $150,000 per hectare for new park development.
The Park Master Plan also recognized that the service level expectation for new parks has
evolved. Neighbourhoods are expecting more than just a playstructure, gravel trail and a grass
field in a new park. Additional facilities such as splash pads, basketball courts, accessible paved
trails, added shade trees, entrance features, shade structures, etc. are being requested during
the public input stage.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
An increase in the General Park Development funding of $250,000 per year, within the ten year
capital forecast is recommended in the 2009 Parks Master Plan.
The increased funding specific to General Park Development for neighbourhood park design &
construction is required for the following reasons:
There are approximately 20 undeveloped and planned parks that require funding through
the ten year capital budget process. This backlog of parks creates challenges for families
moving into new residential areas where parks have not yet been funded and implemented.
Service level expectations have increased and park use trends have changed whereby
residents are expected more out of their parks and utilizing parks in more diverse ways.
2009-10-21
Universal access and use is required in the design of all new parks in order to meet the
needs of all ages, abilities, cultures and income levels.
Residents highly value parks and think that the City should spend more on “parks,
playgrounds & natural areas”, based on the Environics Survey of 2005.
Parks provide numerous social benefits (gathering of families and friends, multicultural
activities, festivals), promote healthy lifestyles (walk, jog, play, organized sports) and
provide environmental benefits (air & water quality, dust and pollutant stabilization, habitat
protection, heat cooling).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on capital funding availability, $1,215,000 of additional funding over the capital forecast
period will be allocated for General Park Development.
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C851001001001001251252302501,215
DC
Total851001001001001251252302501,215
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves total additional funding of $1,215,000 over 2011-2019 for GeneralPark
Development.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] - General Park Rehabilitation
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operations
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener currently has 325 parks, with 31 in the core or older areas of the city. Of
these core area parks, many of them are under-serviced and are in need of upgrades.
In 2005, the Leisure Facilities Master Plan identified many areas which have underserviced
parks and open spaces. It was recommended that “City staff undertake a review of existing
park service level standards for new and existing park and develop a budget estimate on a per
acre basis as a basis for future capital budget forecasts for park development initiatives.”
The Parks Master Plan, scheduled to be completed in 2009 identified “Neighbourhood Park” as
one of the five central themes emerged in the “Situational Analysis Report” through extensive
research and consultation with the community and stakeholders. The following priority was
recognized, “More attention to updating/redeveloping existing neighbourhood parks in older
areas”.
The City’s 2009-2018 Capital Forecast does not currently include a budget for the rehabilitation
of these existing parks, it does include an item for upgrading old play structures which fail to
meet the current Canadian Safety Association (CSA) Standards.
Through the Parks Master Plan It is estimated that these older neighbourhood parks will cost,
on average, $75,000 to $150,000 per park to rehabilitate (excluding play structures). The
rehabilitation cost would cover conceptual design, public consultation, final design, tendering
and park construction. The City’s 2009 Development Charges Background Study does not
include park rehabilitation which is generally not a growth-related cost.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
Parks are a defining feature of Kitchener’s culture, heritage, urban character and quality of life.
They play an essential role in shaping a healthy vibrant and livable community. Over the recent
years focus for park development has been on the park development shortage in new areas of
the city. The rehabilitation of existing parks within older established areas of the city has been
set aside, as identified in the Community Services Committee Report (CSD-06-105), dated
October 23, 2006 regarding General Park and Community Trail Development.
An additional $225,000 per year General Park Rehabilitation capital fund is recommended
within the findings of the 2009 Parks Master Plan, which will allow for the upgrading of 2-3 parks
per year, phased over a 10 year time frame.
The addition of a General Park rehabilitation capital fund is required for the following reasons:
There are 31 existing neighbourhood parks within the “older city” potentially in need of
rehabilitation, repair or upgrade. Parks are a city asset where by the infrastructure
necessitates repair and upgrade over time.
2009-10-21
Neighbourhoods and their parks have experienced many changes that affect their current
use (demographic changes, changing cultural trends, service level expectations, increase in
leisure activities, etc.)
Universal access to our neighbourhood parks is essential to meet the needs of all ages,
abilities, cultures and income levels. Many of our existing parks do not meet these needs.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Based on capital funding availability, $1,000,000 of additional funding over the capital forecast
period will be allocated for General Park Rehabilitation.
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C1001001001251252002501,000
DC
Total1001001001251252002501,000
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves total additional funding of $1,000,000 over 2013-2019 for General Park
Rehabilitation.
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: #[XX] - Sportsfield Synthetic Turf Conversion
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
PREPARER: Operations
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener athletic field utilization has steadily increased over the last six years. In
2003, sportsfields were booked approximately 65% of the available time on Monday to
Thursday and only 45% of the time Friday to Sunday. Through consultation with the user
groups, it was determined that through better maintenance processes and appropriate user fees
that field uses would increase.
Necessary changes were made to better position our fields for our users. In 2009, our
sportsfields are being utilized greater than 95% of the available time with additional requests not
being considered because of the lack of availability. As well as new sport requests such as
rugby, football, cricket and disc sports. Because of the currentlevel of maintenance, requests
are for more time on the A1 and A2 fields.
To meet the additional requests, synthetic sportsfields have become a necessity.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
Our A1 and A2 fields are booked out at a maximum of 450 hours of use per season. These
hours have been set because of any additional use above these hours would cause greater
wear and tear on the grass and additional operating costs to repair. While under repair, there is
a continuous loss of revenue. Each year it costs$30,000 to maintain an A1 and A2 field.
Through the cultural practices, mowing and repair we are able to meet the level of service
currently expected.
Through comparisons, to replace a natural grass field with a synthetic field would increaseour
available hours from 450 to 2000 hours per season. As well, the operating expenses at the
synthetic field would be $5,000 per year since there would be no need to cut, fertilize, aerated or
repair the wear areas in the field.
The season would start the beginning of March and be extend to the end of December versus
the May to end of October schedule today.
Over a five year period, we would convert five fields from grass to synthetic to meet our existing
demand as well as new requests.
An additional “Sportsfield Synthetic Turf Conversion” capital fund of $6,000,000 over 10 years is
recommended within the findings of the 2009 Parks Master Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
2009-10-21
To construct a natural grass field would cost approximately $400,000. To construct a synthetic
field would cost approximately $1,200,000.
The following table provides a comparison of Grass Fields versus Synthetic Fields:
Grass Field Synthetic Field
Useable Hours per season 450 hours 2000 hours
User Fees $45.00 per hour $75.00 per hour
Revenue per season $20,250 per year$150,000 per year
Operating Cost per season $30,000 per year $5,000 per year
Over a ten year period, the synthetic field will have collected $1.5 million dollars in revenue
through user fees and will have saved $250,000 in operating expenses.The additional revenue
and operational saving would cover the additional capital expense of the synthetic field
development.
With the development of a synthetic field and the additional hours of use, one synthetic field
would equal the total hours of use of four grass fields. The synthetic field would actually cost
less in the long term and would minimize the amount of additional land needed to build
sportsfields.
Changes to the 2010-2019 capital budget forecast are as follows:
Funding
Source2010201120122013201420152016201720182019Total
C/C422422
DC877877
Total1,2991,299
(dollars in thousands)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council approves a new Capital Budget item for theSportsfield Synthetic Turf Conversion
program in the amount of $1.299 million starting in 2019. That opportunities for partnerships
and other methods of capital financing be investigated in 2010 in order to accelerate the
commencement of the program
2009-10-21
CITY OF KITCHENER
2010 BUDGET ISSUE PAPER
ISSUE: Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad Improvements
FUND: Capital
DEPARTMENT: Community Services – Community Programs and Services
PREPARER: Kim Kugler, Interim Director Enterprise
BACKGROUND:
On January 27, 2009, as part of an Infrastructure Stimulus Fund plan, the Federal Government
designated $6.4 billion over two years for provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure
projects. Included in this stimulus plan was the Recreational Infrastructure Canada fund which
was created to assist with construction of new, or upgrades to existing, recreational facilities.
The two main criteria for projects to qualify for funding were:
1. Projects must be “shovel ready” and completed by the end of 2010; and
2. Projects must be incremental to the City’s existing 2009 capital forecast.
The improvements to Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad was a project deemed appropriate for this
funding and as such, staff applied and was successful in receiving funds to compete the project.
RATIONALE / ANALYSIS:
The City purchased Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad in August 2009. Prior to the purchase of
the facility a review of the current condition of the facility was completed identifying
approximately $900,000 of improvements that would be required after acquisition. Items
requiring improvements were the HVAC, mechanical and electrical systems, building controls,
roofing repairs, dressing room improvements and flooring replacements.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The City of Kitchener will need to contribute $300,000 to complete the improvements to
Sportsworld Crossing. As a result, an additional $300,000 is required in the 2010 Capital
budget to move forward with this project.
RECOMMENDATION:
That $300,000 is placed in the 2010 Capital budget to help fund the City of Kitchener’s
contribution to improvement the Sportsworld Crossing Twin Pad.
2009-10-21