November 27, 1998

To:North York Community Council

From:Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

Subject:St. Basil's Community Centre Project - Status Report

Purpose:

This report provides some background on the St. Basil=s Community Centre Project along with the current status of this initiative. Formal recommendations addressing a proposed course of action, after further consultation with the community, will be forthcoming in January 1999.

Source of Funds:

As status report, there are no financial ramifications at this time.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. this report be received as information; and
2. a further report be submitted in January 1999 recommending a specific course of action.

Background:

This project was approved in 1997 by City of North York Council at an approved budget of $950,000. The project was based on a partnership with the Metro Separate School Board at the new St. Basil the Great College School and called for the construction of a 5,000 square foot community centre with meeting/multi-purpose spaced joined to the school at the north end.

Shortly after approval, Bill 106 was legislated by the Province of Ontario requiring amongst other things, that all approved capital projects be approved by the Financial Advisory Board before proceeding.

Three teams were invited to submit tenders through a Design-Build Competition, held between November 12, 1997 and December 15, 1997. The award of the contract was pending approval from the Financial Advisory Board. The intent was to award the project by December 31, 1997 and start construction in June/July 1998. Completion was to be January 1999, coinciding with the completion date for the school. The Department, however, was advised shortly before tender closing that the Financial Advisory Board had not approved the project. The Financial Advisory Board referred the project to the new City of Toronto Council for approval. The new City of Toronto Council approved the project in April 1998 at the previous budget level of $950,000.

Two "announcement" meetings were then held with the community on April 30, 1998 and May 4, 1998 with the local councillors present. The community was divided on proceeding with the project and commented on the need to pursue other options that would address the long term needs of the community. As a result a steering committee was established with the meeting taking place on May 19, 1998 and subsequent meetings took place throughout the summer. As a result of these meetings the Department was asked to explore the following options: a stand alone facility at Flindon or Strathburn; leasing at Melody (Toronto School Board); leasing of Weston Road/Sheppard seminary; and an addition to the Elms. A staff report was prepared and sent back to the community. This report advised that the only realistic option was the leasing of the Weston Road/Sheppard seminary building. The other facilities were were too costly to repair or the addition required was beyond the budget.

Finally concurrent with the community meetings a change in direction was received from the Metro Separate School Board. Staff of the M.S.S.B. advised that it was not a programme which was beneficial to the school and that they would be reporting same back to their board in September 1998. They asked that consideration be given to a gymnasium instead of meeting rooms. Cost estimates indicated that a gym could not be built for the same budget. The M.S.S.B. were not prepared to pay for any additional costs as a result of the change in programme.

A letter was received from M.S.S.B indicating that they had no further interest in pursing the project.

All parties agree that recreational facilities are much needed in this community and that a resolve is imperative.

Most recently the Department and the Basilian Fathers have been discussing possible lease arrangements with regard to the Department using St. Basil=s School as a community centre. This school which is located at 3100 Weston Road, near Sheppard Avenue West represents 41,334 square feet excluding a chapel which would not be used.

On November 26, 1998 a meeting was held, attended by Councillor Mammoliti (Councillor Sgro sent her regrets) and community residents, to provide an update on the situation. A further meeting with the community will be held on December 10, 1998.

At the request of Councillor Mammoliti and Councillor Sgro attached is the Parks and Recreation Division, North District, Infrastrucuture Projects (By Old Wards).

Contact Name:

Jim Bradley

Director of Parks and Recreation -North District

Telephone: 395-6054Fax: 395-0105

E-mail: jbradley@city.north-york.on.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

*St. Basils was not part of the Infrastructure plan

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