MANITOWANING—Despite some concerns raised about the potential costs and getting more input from members of the public to the proposed new Manitowaning arts and entertainment centre, Assiginack Township council has given its approval in principle for the project to continue.
“If you are asking for us to approve the project in principle to proceed, I’m in favour of this,” said Councillor Rob Maguire at a council meeting last week. “This is part of community development.”
“My only fear is the budget for this building. There was a quote in The Expositor that the estimated cost was $10 million,” said Councillor Janice Bowerman.
Chris Perry, of Perry and Perry Architects at a public information meeting October 10, had provided a ballpark figure of between $5-8 million dollars, Brenda Reid Assiginack Mayor told council. “This is a very ballpark figure. The cost depends on a lot of things.”
Mayor Reid explained that there is nothing set in stone in terms of the project proposal with concerns being raised at the last public meeting that the size of the proposed theatre stage size presented in the drawings are not large enough.
Councillor Jennifer Hooper said the last public information meeting was held at 4:30 pm, an inappropriate time for people who work during the day.
“Two people reached out to me and said they didn’t know the meeting was taking place,” said Councillor Bowerman, acknowledging the meeting was advertised. “Were there any objections raised by members of the public at the meeting?”
“No, there were no objections raised, some of (the 10 people at the meeting) had issues some thought the proposed theatre stage was too small,” said Mayor Reid. Mr. Perry, “has further diagrams, design and groundwork to finalize on all of this.”
A concern was raised by Councillor Bowerman that only proposed drawings have been provided at this point and that the township has spent a lot of money on the proposal.
“We have not been wasting money, this has all been paid for (through funding grants),” said Mayor Reid.
Councillor Rob Maguire pointed out the project will include the use of the Roller Mills building and the Burns Wharf Theatre, which would provide future sustainability of these buildings. “It is good to be looking at options for them.”
“I agree,” stated Councillor Bowerman, “but if it costs $8 million Assiginack can’t afford it.”
The project will provide economic development for the community and available funding for programs might be able to be tapped into, said Councillor Maguire. “I would put forward a motion to see it through to see future steps taken.”
“I’m okay with the project proceeding but once we start costing this out, we will need more details,” said Councillor Bowerman. She agreed with Councillor Hooper that the next public information meeting should be held at 6 pm or later in the evening.
“My concerns are to do with parking down there,” said Councillor Dwayne Elliott. “I don’t think we have enough parking with the theatre and other amenities being looked at in the building. But in principle, I support the proposal moving forward, at least until we find out exactly how much this is going to cost.”
Councillor Hooper said she has heard from some local residents who are not in favour of the project.
Mr. Perry noted at the previous public information centre meeting, “From a design concept point of view, we have created a relationship between the three buildings: the Roller Mills building, Burns Wharf Theatre (the latter’s use has not been determined as of yet) and a new building to be developed, each to be used for some aspect of the proposal. There would be a closed-off connection from the outside between the roller mill building that would lead into the new entertainment centre. There would be overflow space where people can congregate before and after an event.
“Once we get to the committal stage where the community and council says yes, we are going to do it, then we can look at all of this further and put in place the final design,” said Mr. Perry.
The plumbing (restroom area) will be established in the new part of the new building area, said Mr. Perry. There would also be a multipurpose hall with seating that would be stored and be retractable, noting this can also be a stage area. The centre will be able to hold other activities and events as well. There would be a storage area and other rooms that support meetings and the concept allows for a courtyard at the mill for displays and functions.
“Half of the Burns Wharf Theatre could be repurposed, and we would look at what could be done to suit the needs of users,” said Mr. Perry, noting the theatre area would include seating for 126 patrons.
