MANITOWANING—Assiginack township council has decided to have its architect attend a future meeting to look at a design for the proposed arts and entertainment centre (AAEC).
Alton Hobbs, Assiginack CAO noted that council should come up with an official policy on the next steps it would take for the AAEC.
“You have all seen the drawings the architect did,” said Mayor Brenda Reid. “We need to consider whether we are moving ahead, shelving the project or having a design for the building, shovel ready, to apply for funding.”
Councillor Rob Maguire said he would like to see how the township can proceed on the AAEC, “So that we can support community development. We should also have all user groups of the building involved as to what is being proposed. We don’t have to make a financial commitment right now, but at least continue that direction.”
“I didn’t like the (architect’s) drawings (which would have seen the AAEC developed as an addition to the Manitowaning arena),” stated Councillor Jennifer Hooper. “I don’t think it was workable and am not in favour of sharing the bathrooms (in the arena). I think it (AECC) needs to operated separately. And I’m not comfortable with the amount of money that has been spent so far.”
“And we can’t look at a building for just a few user groups,” said Councillor Hooper. “We need to commit to having a building that will benefit the entire community and all user groups. We need to hear from all user groups if, and who, is going to use the building.”
“I thought the original (AECC) design was ugly. We need something beautiful that will represent our community well,” said Councillor Hooper.
Councillor Dwayne Elliot said, “I think we need to support arts and entertainment in the township and throughout the Island. I think this needs to be a standalone building. I was under the understanding that we are hoping to get a considerable amount of the funds needed to construct the building for the project. But this has not been secured as of yet.”
The township needs to first have a business plan in place with detailed costs included, said Councillor Maguire.
“I didn’t really like the plans put forward by the engineer. It didn’t work for anyone,” said Mayor Reid.
“We need to have plans in place to be shovel ready, with a business plan and design in place,” said Mayor Reid.
Councillor Hooper said the building would need to function as more than just as an arts and entertainment centre. She said the AAEC should be incorporated with other functions, such as housing the library and an arts gallery, and that funding may be more accessible by incorporating other things. She suggested an arts and entertainment facility alone may not be sustainable or maintainable in the long run. “So, we need to incorporate other things within the building.”
“And we need to consider the costs of cleaning and maintenance costs on the building,” said Councillor Hooper. “It will cost thousands of dollars to just keep the building clean and maintained.” She noted that at a recent meeting she attended in Parry Sound, at the Stockey Centre, “it is a beautiful building, but I understand it costs an astronomical amount of money to clean and maintain.”
“I tend to agree,” said Mayor Reid. “You just can’t put up a new building unless you have a viable business plan in place.”
“I just don’t want this building to be a burden on my kids; that council thought was a great idea at the time and in 20 years find that it is costing the township a lot of money,” said Councillor Hooper.
“To have an effective plan in place we still need all the user groups involved in the design of the building,” said Councillor Maguire. “All user groups should be at the table along with council and our architect. We can’t design or plan something for them that is not workable for everyone.”
It was suggested that along with the Burns Wharf Theatre and Debajehmujig Theatre, arts groups, sports groups, agriculture and any other possible user groups should be allowed input. Mr. Hobbs suggested the township recreation director should also be at the planning table.
“We need to take a good hard look at what it is going to cost us,” said Councillor Elliott.
The last estimates council had been provided by the architect was for a cost of $2.9 million for the AAEC and it was attached to existing infrastructure, Mr. Hobbs pointed out.
“So, a standalone building we are looking at will be well over $3 million,” said Councillor Elliott.
“I can’t see why we can’t apply for and receive, say, 90 percent funding for whatever building we design if we do this right,” said Councillor Maguire.
It was agreed by council they will put forward ideas for those who should be at the table with council and the architect, and then invite the architect to a future meeting to discuss a design that would be workable for everyone.
