Audacious Pincher Creek Multi Purpose Recreation Facility concept discussed

Concept illustration of possible Multi Purpose Recreation Facility expansion

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Town of Pincher Creek is in the process of trying to establish a steering committee to investigate the viability of a major expansion to the multi-purpose recreation facilities located on Main Street, projected to cost $27,155,000.


Breaking that figure down:

• Pool  $1,668,000
• Multi-purpose $1,769,000
• Library $762,000
• Ice rink $14,147,000
• Curling rink $5,589,000
• Main Street $550,000
• Civil $1,820,000

According to Wes Hironaka of RKH Architecture Ltd. all costs are based on estimated square footage only and are not to be deemed actual costs.

The concept itself is still quite clearly still in the "idea" stage.

A Recreation Facility Meeting was held on March 27 in the Town's Council Chambers with David Green of Family and Community Support Services facilitating.  In attendance were Mayor Ernie Olsen; Town Councillors Don Anderberg, Lorne Jackson, Wayne Oliver, Sahra Hancock; MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Bjorn Berg and MD Councillors Helen Cyr and Garry Marchuk.

Also in attendance were several Town staff members, representatives from the Pincher Creek Rotary Club, Board Members at Large, and an engineering team composed of representatives from Krystal Engineering and RKH Architecture.

History

In 2008 a facilities master plan was designed.  In  2012 the Town engaged the services of Krystal Engineering and Consultants to conduct a revitalization study in anticipation of expansion to the current recreation complex on Main Street.

The existing curling rink dates back to the 1960's.  The Pool and Library were constructed in 1990.

Viewpoints

Draft notes from the March 27 meeting included input from several of those in attendance.

Mayor Olsen indicated he would like to bring the information provided back to Council, which did indeed occur on April 22.  He noted that the meeting was intended for information and ideas.

Councillor Oliver said he would like to see two or three scenarios for this particular Town block and "Wonders the whys, hows, whos with respect to driving the project". Oliver also noted that the Curling Rink is currently a privately owned building residing on Town land and that the Town has not had the discussion regarding building a new facility.

Councillor Hancock wanted to ensure that all partners and users have plenty of opportunity to provide input into the project and to assess what the real needs were.

The Rotary Club is investigating the idea of building a Performing Arts Centre which could possibly seat 250 to 300 people.  They felt that the proposed Centre would fit well within the recreational complex.  Cost estimates for that project were reported to be between 6 and 10 million dollars.

Councillor Jackson indicated that he was in favour of including a performing arts centre with the project.

Councillor Anderberg indicated that realistically the project is a few years down the road.  He also noted that all of the current facilities have been partly renovated within the past 10-12 years and expressed the opinion that some facilities within the current complex require funds/rebuilds immediately.
Speaking as a citizen, Dan Crawford said he would like to see public input into the design of the buildings.

The meeting notes indicate that there is a desire among the group present to ensure that the current Main Street location of most facilities remains and that the facilities have curb appeal and are inviting to the public.

Steering Committee

At the March 27 meeting it was decided to assemble a steering committee comprised of representatives from the groups present, including 2 Rotary members*, 2 Town of Pincher Creek Council members, 2 members of the public at large, and 2 representatives from the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Council.

At their April 23 meeting the MD of Pincher Creek Council voted unanimously (Councillor Garry Marchuk was absent) to decline to join the steering committee at this time, with a general consensus being that it would be better left to the next council (that will follow this fall's elections) to decide whether or not to be involved in the project.

Front page of planning study

*Update April 24, 2013 - We have received reliable information that the Rotary Club has been asked (since the meeting on March 27) to abstain from the steering committee at this time, while being assured that their project was still of interest.