April 14, 1999
To:Budget Committee
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Wanda Liczyk, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Subject:Heron Park Community Centre Project
Ward 16 - Scarborough Highland Creek
Purpose:
To request additional funding for facility and program space improvements for the Heron Park
Community Centre project.
Financial Implications:
The 1999 Parks and Recreation Capital Budget would be increased by $760,000.00 from
$38,444,000.00 gross to $39,204,000.00 gross, with financing to be from the issuance of
debentures. Debt charges would increase by approximately $100,000.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.The 1999 Parks and Recreation Capital Works Program be amended to provide additional
capital funds in the amount of $760,000.00, financed by the issuance of debentures issued for
a term not exceeding 20 years, to enable the inclusion of facility and program space
improvements for the Heron Park Community Centre project.
2. the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to give effect thereto.
Comments:
The original Feasibility Study for the Heron Park Community Centre project was approved in
1992, but the project did not receive funding approval until 1998. Due to the length of time
between the original feasibility study and project approval, a review of the original program
was carried out to determine that current community needs were being met. As part of the
consultation process, community groups involved in the original study were invited to
participate. This review was completed March 16, 1999.
Significant public concern emerged during this review that extensive work in the arena be
carried out. This work includes new rink boards, repair or replacement of the concrete
surrounding the ice pads, skate-resistant flooring, bleacher seating and infra-red heating.
These items had previously been identified as Major Maintenance items by the former City of
Scarborough and carried as an estimate in the Works Department budget. The work was
scheduled to coincide with the construction of the new community centre facility. When the
1992 Heron Park project was delayed, work on these Major Maintenance items was also
deferred. The currently approved funds for Heron Park Community Centre do provide for the
community centre, pool replacement etc. The Major Maintenance items were not included in
this estimate and no longer appear in the Works Department Major Maintenance budget.
These Major Maintenance items require a budget of approximately $500,000.00 to complete,
and it is timely to do so now to minimize user impacts, gain economies of scale and better
serve the public, and minimize site disruption.
Since 1992 there has also been a change in the area demographics, i.e. an increase in the
number of young families and children. This has resulted in new requirements. These are: a
preschool room; water play area/splashpad; and an increased area for spectator viewing in the
arena. These items were not part of the original capital budget and additional funding of
approximately $260,000.00 is required.
In total, an additional $760,000.00 in project funding is required as confirmed by the
Architect's cost consultants. It is intended this work will be tendered in the fall of 1999.
The Department has conferred with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer regarding the
funding of this project, and it is suggested that the city fund this work as an addition to the
Capital Works Program through the issuance of debentures.
Conclusion:
In order to ensure that the arena-related work and space improvements are achieved along
with the already-approved community centre project, it is recommended that this work be
included in the contract documents being prepared at this time. This will minimize site
disruption and public inconvenience, produce lower construction prices, and better serve the
needs of the community.
Contact Names:
Frank Kershaw
Director, Policy and Development
392-8199
Robert Brough
Supervisor, Capital Projects
392-8181
Joe HalsteadWanda Liczyk,
Commissioner Economic Development, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Culture and Tourism