GORE BAY – Council for the Town of Gore Bay has looked at the preliminary cost estimates for work that needs to be done to the local arena and have decided to go with the option of applying for funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to renovate the arena, instead of looking at a new arena. As well, the town will be requesting financial support from neighbouring municipalities for the work to be carried out.
“We are meeting tonight to look at the engineer’s (Tulloch) report and recommendations on the work that needs to be done on the arena,” said Gore Bay Mayor Dan Osborne at a special council meeting held last week. The estimated total cost estimate is $402,000 for renovations with the largest part of this amount being $175,000 to repair the foundation walls including replacement of floor slabs; investigation into existing pier foundations; $80,000 to reinforce lobby roof framing including new roofing; and $40,000 for structural upgrades and roof repair where damaged at ice resurfacer and refrigeration plant.
Gore Bay Town Clerk Annette Clarke pointed out, “when you are looking at these preliminary cost estimates, keep in mind there is a new chiller that is required and other things as well that are needed.”
Ms. Clarke told council that the estimated costs of seeking the same program funding for a new arena show that based on a 30,000 square foot facility at a cost of $300 per square foot, this would amount to approximately $10,835,000. The town’s share of the costs (if neighbouring municipalities share in the costs of the arena) would be approximately $2.9 million. She pointed out the town could borrow funds from a lending institute for their share of the funds, but cautioned that even if the loan was for 20 years the town would be looking at $100,000 per year on its budget.
Ms. Clarke explained the engineers did not see anything in its recommendations that would see the arena having to be closed immediately, but there are issues that need to be addressed in the near future. As well, some of the work outlined in the report is already being done now.
The biggest issue is work that needs to be done on the foundation walls, council was told.
The government grant through the ICIP grant is available, with the deadline for applications being November 12, 2019, council was told. “We can apply for funding for repairs of the arena or a whole new arena facility, which would need financial support from neighbouring municipalities as well.”
“A new arena would be nice, but if the other municipalities don’t want to share in the costs we can’t do this alone,” said Councillor Kevin Woestenenk.
“I agree,” said Councillor Ken Blodgett.
A detailed engineering report is going to cost the town between $25,000-50,000 regardless of which option they choose, council was informed.
“Would we be looking to other neighbouring municipalities and First Nations for support?” asked Councillor Woestenenk.
It was noted that they would be approached along with other organizations for support.
“So we are looking at $200,000 for a new chiller and all engineering and another $402,000 as well (for renovations),” said Mayor Osborne.
“This could end up being as much of a share of costs as looking at a new arena,” cautioned Ms. Clarke. She said if the decision is made to apply for funds for a new arena, a call could be made for a meeting with neighbouring municipalities and First Nations to be held.
Council was told realistically that even if funding for a new arena was provided, the new building would not be completed likely until 2022.
“We all know that we are not made of money,” said Councillor Woestenenk. “Where would we come up with all this money for a new arena? A new arena would be great, but we have to go with what we can afford.”
“The arena is never going to be a money maker,” said Mayor Osborne. “We could apply for funding toward a new arena and find out if the other municipalities will support it, in the next week or so and if not then look at renovating the arena.”
Councillor Aaron Wright said, “it would be nice to have a new arena,” but he was also concerned about the costs involved.
A new arena would be more cost efficient for a longer period of time, said Councillor Paulie Nodecker.
“I would agree to asking the other municipalities if they are interested in sharing in the costs, and give them about a week to respond, and if they aren’t then we can apply for funding for the renovations,” said Councillor Patricia Bailey.
Mayor Osborne said, “I’m of the opinion I would like to go for a new arena, but can we afford it? With three municipalities helping with the cost sharing we might be able to. But if there is no agreement we can’t afford to do it on our own.”
The town would be hard-pressed to maintain its budget if it went with a new arena, council was told, noting that the town has other things it has to put funds toward, such as infrastructure, water and sewer, buildings and roads.
It was also pointed out by Ms. Clarke the government is already talking about cutting funding to Ontario municipalities next year.
“We don’t currently have a lot of families and young people moving into town,” said Councillor Blodgett. “Given that, we’re making decisions that could see a big tax increase in the future. And we have other things we need to spend money on in the future.”
“I don’t think we can afford it (looking at a new arena),” said Councillor Woestenenk.
Councillor Blodgett said it would have been nice if council had the time to take this to the public for their input. He stated, “I would recommend that we apply for funding for the repairs to be done to the arena.”
“I think our neighbours should be approached about sharing in the costs of renovating the building as well,” said Councillor Nodecker.
Council passed a motion to apply for funding for renovations to the current arena and will contact other municipalities requesting they consider sharing in the costs of renovating the facility.
