Councillors for the Township of Cavan Monaghan were joined by representatives from the Towerhill Development, MacLennan, Jaunkaln, Miller Architects, and Aquicon Inc. and community volunteers from the CMCC fundraising committee last week to officially break ground on the construction of the new Cavan Monaghan Community Centre.
The ceremony marked the culmination of over four years of research including a feasibility study, various community centre site visits, a financial impact review and public consultation to determine the best solution for a Community Centre for the Township of Cavan Monaghan. Plans to develop the facility began in October 2014 when the Needs and Feasibility Assessment Study recommended that the existing Community Centre be decommissioned due to the ongoing capital investment to maintain the building in a safe, operational and accessible condition.
Towerhill Development kicked things off with an offer to donate 10 acres of land adjacent to the Township Office for the Community Centre construction. In order to ensure the project moved forward efficiently, the Township hired Mary Gallop to act as project manager. Gallop brought a wealth of experience and knowledge of the requirements of the design process of recreation/community centres having taken the project lead on several capital projects including the Sport and Wellness Centre in her position as Manager of Facilities and Special Projects for the City of Peterborough. MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects (MJMA) was brought in as the Prime Consultant for the design, tendering and contract administration of the project. MJMA had provided the design on the North Kawartha Community Centre, a facility visited by Council, staff and community members and identified as one that most closely represented the type of new facility desired for Cavan Monaghan residents. In April 2018, the Township hired Aquicon Construction for the project construction. They also bring significant experience constructing recreation centres with a number of similar projects in Lakeshore, Bradford West-Gwillimbury, Niagara Falls and Toronto and also built the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
At the time the project was approved, Mayor McFadden insisted that the community demonstrate its commitment to the new facility, asking for a $1million contribution from local residents and businesses. Instead of hiring a professional fundraiser, Council offered $25,000 in seed money to a group of local volunteers who accepted the challenge, and in addition to soliciting donations in cash and in kind have spearheaded grassroot events supported by a broad spectrum of the community, including concerts, sports tournaments, networking and social events. Their progress is documented on page 19.
With a projected price tag of $17.4M, the fully accessible facility will include a single pad NHL-size ice surface, an upper-level walking/running track, a banquet hall with a bar and warming kitchen, a fitness studio, multi-purpose room, spectator seating for over 200 and a total of 8 change rooms. Funded through a combination of the Township’s existing reserves, development charges and the community- based fundraising initiative, Mayor McFadden believes that the new, multi-use facility will serve our growing community and provide a welcoming and modern recreation space that will impact the lives of our residents for years to come. We can hardly wait. KG
