In February, the township engaged Rethink Group to assist in the development of a comprehensive Parks and Recreation plan to update the current one which dates from 2011. The objective is to examine existing parks recreational opportunities, gather stakeholder and public feedback to identify future uses and develop recommendations to address future needs, including estimates of their costs. The intention is to see how our growing and changing community might best be served. Among the significant items to be considered is the future of the Millbrook Arena and the remaining land surrounding the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre (CMCC).
The Masterplan update will take place in three phases, the first of which has already begun. It includes conducting research and analysis, with engagement with residents, user groups and other community members. The first step in the data collection process is a household survey that is available until the end of July on the township website, at www.cavanmonaghan.net . User groups will also be asked to provide information and input relative to their groups and programs. A complete picture of recreational options in the community will be developed, examining parks, open spaces, facilities and programming. It will include a review of the way that culture and recreation services are provided by the municipality and others such as schools, the conservation authorities, non-profit groups and the private sector, creating a complete picture of recreational options in the community.
One section in the survey investigates options for the old Millbrook Arena. A recent engineering report concluded that it requires significant repairs. An investment of $4.2 million would allow the existing facility in its current size and shape to continue to provide the current level of services for the next 25 years. The survey indicates that the current rentals and operating expenses result in an annual operating deficit of $30,000. (Indoor public recreation facilities are expected to operate at a deficit.) Improvements such as expanding the playing surface, converting the facility into a gymnasium, meeting accessibility standards for the second floor, and adding air conditioning to extend the use into the summer, would add significantly to the required capital expenditure. Survey respondents select one of four options for this facility: invest $4.2 million to preserve the facility in its existing applications; invest more in upgrade and expand the facility; demolish the building and create a downtown community park in its place; or sell the property for commercial and/or residential development. Respondents also indicate their willingness to fund new recreational projects through increases in property taxes. Phase One of the update will conclude with a presentation to Council on the findings and recommendations.
Phase Two, scheduled for next year, will further examine the recommendations for the Millbrook Arena and investigate potential uses for the land adjacent to the CMCC, which could include outdoor facilities, indoor options added onto the existing building or stand-alone options such as a dome. In addition to discussions about these existing facilities, this phase will conclude with recommendations for other culture and recreation facilities, parks and open spaces, and potential recreational programing to be considered.
The final phase, expected to be completed in early 2024, will take the options selected for existing facilities and prepare conceptual designs and costs for consideration by the township.
In the end, the project will produce a prioritized wish list of projects that could enhance the recreational opportunities in the township. Which projects, if any, actually proceed and when this occurs ultimately depends on where they fit among the competing financial priorities of the municipality. Growth will affect both the appetite and the capacity to fund new recreational initiatives in the future.
Be sure to have your say and complete the household survey by the end of July. KG
