February 2, 1998
To: Scarborough Community Council
From: Michael A. Price, P. Eng., FICE
Commissioner of Works & Environment
Subject: Scarborough Community Complex
Project Status Report
Ward 18
Scarborough Malvern
Purpose:
To provide a report on the status of the Scarborough Community Complex project.
Funding Sources:
Funding for this project has been previously approved by the Council of the City of Scarborough and is available in Account No. 59309-00000-96541-OBJ.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that appropriate staff be authorized to approve and execute an operating agreement with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.
Background:
Scarborough Community Council at its meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 1998 directed that the Commissioner of Works & Environment report on the items raised during his briefing to the Community Council on the Scarborough Theatre/Art Gallery.
Discussion:
(1) Project History and Description
Approval to proceed with the design and construction of the project was given by the Council of the City of Scarborough at its meeting on January 23, 1996.
The project is located at the south-east corner of Sheppard Avenue East and Progress Avenue, Scarborough. It was initiated as an agreement between the City of Scarborough, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCC) and CMS Investments Inc., now Metrus. A site plan of the project is attached to this report as Appendix 'A'.
The project budget was approved at $7.9 million and includes the following components:
(a) A Community Centre/Library building of 12,060 sq. ft. and 7,350 sq. ft. respectively.
(b) Site development and parking.
(c) A new park development on the balance of the 8.24 acre property.
(d) Funds in the amount of $280,000, for the future formal Chinese Garden.
The CCC funded, and is simultaneously constructing, an adjoining Chinese Cultural Centre of 23,140 sq. ft. at a budget of approximately $5.2 million.
The agreement between the City and the CCC provides that the City will provide HVAC plant, shared parking, shared site development and 1.057 acres of land for their building. The land is to be transferred at the time of substantial performance of the project.
Future phases include a 1-1/2 acre formal Chinese Garden and a 600 seat theatre. The garden is planned to be built in phases. The first phase is contemplated to cost $5 million with a total build-out cost of $13 million. The design work is proceeding on the formal Chinese Garden under the direction of the Planning & Buildings Department. Construction funding is to be provided through fundraising, currently expected to commence in the spring. Since construction will be coordinated with funds received from the fundraising effort, a start date for the work is not yet available. The theatre is also planned to be funded and to be constructed by the CCC in the future.
Adjacent to the park site is a vacant property owned by the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB). Future plans include a shared entrance and contemplate a shared parking arrangement. A Memorandum of Understanding has been executed between the MSSB and the City.
(2) Schedule and Budget Status
The Burrows Hall Recreation Centre and Library building, the CCC building and related sitework are on schedule at 80 percent complete and scheduled for completion in April 1998.
The park is complete except for walkway lighting.
Funding in the amount of $7.9 million has been approved for this project. Our latest review indicates that the Burrows Hall Recreation Centre and Library/sitework portions of the project should be completed $300,000 below budget. The park and the Garden items are within budget.
(3) Outstanding Issues
(a) There are two issues with regard to the CCC which are currently underway:
(i) Completing legal surveys and easements to transfer the 1.057 acres of property from the City to the CCC.
(ii) Completing and executing the operating agreement for the shared HVAC system and site areas.
The agreement between the City and the CCC authorizes the transfer of the CCC site to the CCC on substantial completion of the project, subject to completion of the legal documentation. The operating agreement, however, does require further approvals.
(b) The Burrows Hall Recreation Centre and Library building and site will be ready to be handed over to the Parks & Recreation Department and Library Board in April 1998 for them to operate.
The Toronto Public Library Board is currently reviewing operations to operate the new Library as of September 1998.
The Parks & Recreation Department is reviewing operating scenarios to open the new Community Centre as of May 1998.
Conclusions:
This capital project is being completed on schedule and under budget.
RHB:mk
Contact Name:
Ron Barry, P. Eng., Director
Public Building Services
Works & Environment Department
Scarborough Community Council Area
Telephone No. (416) 396-4762
Fax No. (416) 396-4225
barry@city.scarborough.on.ca
Michael A. Price, P. Eng., FICE
Commissioner
Works & Environment Department
Scarborough Office
