MANITOWANING—While there are still details to be ironed out at the design stage, those in attendance at a community engagement session to discuss the proposed new multi-purpose arts and entertainment centre in the Township of Assiginack are in favour of the concept and excited about its potential future.
“I think it is a great concept,” stated one woman at the meeting, hosted by the township and Chris Perry of Perry and Perry Architects October 10.
“For the most part I love the concept,” stated Marilyn Wohlberg. “The details can all be worked out. I think it is very exciting.”
Mr. Perry noted this was the third community engagement session held. “My job has been to listen to the community, as to your vision, goals, objectives and constraints.” The actual proposed space is for 8,400 square feet which could increase or decrease.
“From a design concept point of view, we have created a relationship between the three buildings: the roller mill building, Burns Wharf Theatre (the latter’s use has not been determined as of yet) and a new building to be developed, using each of the others for some aspect of the proposal. There would be a closed-off connector from the outside between the roller mill building and lead to the new entertainment centre. There would be overflow space where people can congregate before and after an event. “We have elevation issues we would have to meet (between the roller mill and the entertainment centre).”
“Once we get to the committal stage, where the community and council say 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) would be kept in the new part of the new building area, said Mr. Perry.
“There would also be a multi-purpose hall with seating that would be stored and be retractable (stored in a wall),” said Mr. Perry, noting this can also be the case for a stage area. The hall (arts and entertainment centre) could handle other activities and events as well as theatre, the meeting was told. There would be storage area and other rooms that support meetings as well. “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.
At this point, there is really no parking that would be provided for with the current concept, the meeting was told. “This will be a challenge,” stated Mr. Perry, who said there would also be a kitchen in the new building.
Assiginack Mayor Reeve Brenda Reid said, “once we get the final concept design and if council agrees with it, then our economic development officer would look for groups, organizations and events that can be held in the facility. It has to pay for itself,” she said, noting, “We would have to hire someone to be an events coordinator for the centre.”
“If everyone is good with the concept, we will come up with the actual proposed design, figure out exact seating and put together costing and a recommended budget,” said Mr. Perry.
“Do you have any idea how much it will cost to build? asked Ms. Wohlberg.
Mr. Perry estimated the project costs would be approximately $8 million, and funding sources would need to be applied to.
“Having a multi-purpose event centre would be the first of its kind on the Island,” said one person at the meeting. “If Assiginack offers a state of the art performance venue it will attract lots of different events, performances and activities.”
The meeting was told the entire project concept could be broken up into several development phases to allow for development and funding to be obtained.
“With our experience at the Roller Mill, I can see this building becoming an attraction for events like weddings and other gatherings,” said Mayor Reid. “It would bring people to the community.”
Seasonal resident Delbert Sousa said, “We have the Stockley Centre in Parry Sound. It draws a lot of people for all types of events. It also holds the Bobby Orr Museum. The building is used for so many things, Christmas events, concerts, meetings, weddings and more. A building like what is being looked at here would draw a lot of people to Manitowaning.”
“Is everyone in favour of the concept?” asked Mayor Reid to which everyone agreed.
“This would be a project designed by the community,” said Mr. Perry.
