Addendum:
Township of Wilmot Report to: Council
REPORT: PRD-2008-07
PREPARED BY: Vicky Luttenberger, Manager of Community Programs
DATE: April 28, 2008
SUBJECT: INITIATIVES FOR THE INTERIM USE OF THE NEW HAMBURG ARENA
RECOMMENDATION: "That Report PRD-2008-07 be endorsed."
BACKGROUND:
In December 2006, Wilmot Township Council established a committee of community representatives to look at the potential uses for the New Hamburg Arena facility. In April 2007, a meeting was held where committee members questioned the future need for a third ice surface and requested that a timeline be provided. As a result, the Township hired Monteith Brown Planning Consultants to update the 2002 Facility Needs Study and to include a timeframe for a third ice surface. The update to the study was completed in the fall of 2007. The study indicated that the Township would not need a third ice pad for a minimum of 8 years. A copy of the study was forwarded to members of the New Hamburg Arena Future Use Advisory Committee.
REPORT:
In December 2007, the New Hamburg Future Use Advisory Committee met again to discuss the future use of the New Hamburg Arena facility. Committee members expressed concern relative to the timeline indicated for a third ice surface in the recently updated Facility Needs Study. They stressed the importance of maintaining the facility and the ice plant for potential use as a third ice surface and insisted that the facility be protected when considering potential interim uses. Members were also reminded that potential new uses would have to accommodate the annual special events which would continue to use the facility.
Based on the assumption that the New Hamburg Arena would be potentially reinstated as a third ice pad, and the annual special events would continue to use the facility, a brainstorming session was held, where the following interim uses and actions were identified:
REPORT PRD-2008-07 INITIATIVES FOR THE INTERIM USE OF THE NEW HAMBURG ARENA Page 2
- Entertainment Centre/Theatre and Concerts Youth and Seniors Programming Hire a marketing person Skateboard Park/Roller Skating Lease Specific Space for Storage or Club Rooms Lease the Building Establish a Dedicated Seniors Facility
- Members were then asked to rank their first, second and third choice for preferred use. The following lists their top three choices in order:
- Entertainment Centre/Theatre/Concerts Youth And Seniors Programming Hire a Marketing Person
It should be noted that the third item listed above, "Hire a Marketing Person", is not a potential use but a suggested course of action that could be undertaken in order to increase facility usage. This is a separate initiative already under review by the department which is being addressed in a separate report to Council. Therefore, staff suggest that the fourth highest ranked use being "skateboard/roller skating park" be considered as the third potential use.
Analysis of Suggested Uses
Each of the top three suggested uses identified for the New Hamburg Arena have potential. In addition to increasing revenue which would offset the operating costs of the facility, they would also fill recreational needs in the community, and enhance the quality of life for Wilmot residents.
However, when considering the potential uses we must keep in mind the two key constraints that were identified. Maintain the facility as a potential third ice surface and continuing the annual special events.
Option#1 - Entertainment Centre/Theatre/Concerts
Analysis: The committee's first choice, which was to transform the New Hamburg Arena into an "Entertainment Centre" that could be used for theatre and small concerts, has a lot of potential. Currently, the Township does not have a cultural venue or very many cultural activities other than the annual performances of The Community Players and one or two concerts per year by the Nith Valley Community Choir and/or the New Hamburg Band.
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However, the transformation of the New Hamburg Arena into a permanent Entertainment Centre would require major renovations and capital expenditure. The permanent conversion of the facility would eliminate the ability to use the facility as a third ice surface and would displace the special events.
Action: That the Township of Wilmot not undertake major renovations to the New Hamburg Arena for the purposes of converting the existing Arena into an Entertainment Centre.
That staff dialogue with The Community Players regarding minor renovations to the New Hamburg Arena that would enhance their program and usage.
Option #2 - Use for Youth and Senior Programming
Analysis: The use of the New Hamburg Arena for youth and seniors programming could be very beneficial to the community. The 2002 Facility Needs Study and the 2007 Update to the Facility Needs Study both identified the need for youth and seniors programming. Programming for both age groups would enhance the lives of both segments of the population.
The facility could be used for this purpose without major renovations and the facility could be reinstated as a third ice pad if the need should arise. The potential use would be compatible with existing regular uses and annual special events. The floor surface could be maintained and the facility could still be used by special event user groups as well as regular user groups.
The Arena facility itself is not heated other than the gas fired radiant heaters in the stands. The facility would need to be insulated and a proper HVAC system installed if use were to be permitted during winter months.
Action: That staff investigate the community need and implementation of programming for youth, adults and seniors at the New Hamburg Arena including the costs for insulating and installing an appropriate HVAC system.
Option #3 - Skateboarding and Inline Skating/Roller Skating
Analysis: The use of the New Hamburg Arena for skateboarding and inline/roller skating is a viable use of the facility. The facility would not require major renovations, and would provide activities for youth, adults and families.
REPORT PRD-2008-07 NEW HAMBURG FUTURE USE COMMITTEE Page 4
Recently, Wilmot Family Resource Centre expressed an interest with respect to starting the existing skateboarding program earlier (pending financial support >from the Township) which would be beneficial in providing a safe, supervised environment for the youth in the community to skateboard rather than on roadways, sidewalks and parking lots.
Special events and regular facility users could still use the facility.
The Arena facility itself is not heated other than the gas fired radiant heaters in the stands. The facility would need to be insulated and a proper HVAC system installed if use were to be permitted during winter months.
Action: That staff investigate the community need and implementation of programming for youth, adults and seniors at the New Hamburg Arena.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top three potential interim uses for the New Hamburg Arena, staff found that there is one commonality - programming. Staff believe that the interim uses suggested are not viable if considered as one single use to fill the available space but believe that all of the suggested uses could be incorporated into a municipal programming initiative for that facility.
As previously mentioned, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome would be the use of the facility during the fall, early spring and winter months when there is a need for a heated facility.
Staff further suggest that once a decision has been made relative to a third ice pad, the Council of the day would further review this facility to determine what additional usage initiatives and capital improvements would be required.
Recommendation
That staff be authorized to investigate the implementation of programming initiatives at the New Hamburg Arena including the costs for insulating and installing an appropriate HVAC system to accommodate year round indoor activities.
All of which is respectfully submitted:
Manager of Community Programs Director of Facilities & Recreation Services.
Reviewed by the CAO. |
