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Why do we need a new library and arena?
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| An assessment in 2013 determined the Wasaga Stars Arena is near the end of its lifespan as a full-service facility. The arena was built in 1973.
The library opened in 1994 when the town’s population was significantly less and library programming was far different than today.
The library is 4,500 square feet in size and too small to accommodate programs, user groups, or a population of 21,000 so a new facility is required. The library square footage size per capita benchmark is 1.2 square feet per capita. Based on this benchmark, the current population of at least 21,000 supports a library size of 25,000 square feet. The Ontario Public Library Guidelines supports this. The library is not just about books, it is about having a space for the community to gather and learn.
In January 2019, council identified the twin-pad arena and library projects as priorities for this term. Since then, staff and council reviewed the merits of many sites, culminating in the selection of 544 River Rd. W.
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When did council settle on a site?
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In October 2019, council approved a site for the community’s new twin-pad arena and library.
Based on community input and following a formal review of several sites under consideration that used council-approved criteria, council selected the 544 River Rd. W. site in the town’s east end.
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Why was this location recommended?
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The joint-use twin-pad arena and library at 544 River Rd. W. was the strongest of the sites when measured against the criteria, including input from the public.
Locating both facilities at this site will provide a selection of cost savings:
- Project management for a single project;
- Building duplication efficiencies;
- Operational savings.
From an operational perspective, a joint-use facility will enable management to share resources: staffing, meeting spaces, and programming.
From a user perspective, a joint-use facility will offer residents more services in one location, a positive for families with differing interests.
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How did the town formally consult with the public on the sites being considered?
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| In September 2019, the town launched a survey to gather public input. The survey was conducted on the town’s community engagement site www.letstalkwasagabeach.ca. |
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Was there any other consultation?
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Yes. On the community engagement site, people could share comments about their preferred sites.
The town also held an open house on Sept. 30, 2019. This took place at the RecPlex in the early evening. The public had a chance to review all relative information related to the various sites under consideration, including price, and ask questions of staff and members of council.
That information is here: http://bit.ly/321mAxe.
All the input was factored in with the other criteria and resulted in the joint use facility at 544 River Rd. W. being recommended as the preferred site.
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How does the town plan to pay for the two facilities?
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At the Oct. 1, 2020 Committee of the Whole – Budget meeting, Jocelyn Lee, the town’s treasurer, presented a Financial Plan for the new twin-pad arena and library.
You can review the plan here.
The total project cost is $59-million, of which the land portion is paid. The remaining project cost to be covered is approximately $51-million, of which $31-million will be financed through long-term debt when the project is complete in 2023 and the remainder from various reserve funds.
Twin-pad Arena and Library Project Financial Costs
| Source of Revenue | Amount |
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| Reserves/Surplus |
$13,576,309 |
| Development Charges |
$14,219,479 |
| Donations |
$100,000 |
| Debenture |
$31,698,038 |
| Taxation |
$376,481 |
| Total |
$59,970,307 |
The plan outlines how the town’s strategy will ensure the financial sustainability of the municipality. The plan notes the town’s strong financial position and its ability to take on large capital projects.
The treasurer has recommended moving ahead with the project and council members agreed. The plan notes the town is in a good financial position and interest rates to finance the project are low.
In summary, municipality will borrow $31-million; use a small amount of taxation, with the balance of funds for the project coming from reserves, including development charge reserves, general reserves, and federal gas tax reserves. This method of financing major capital projects is typical across Canada. See below for further information.
It is projected the operating costs of the facility will add $73 to the average annual taxes for a household. That works out to $6.08 each month.
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What are the total construction costs for the twin-pad arena and library?
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| As outlined in detail above, the estimated cost of the project is $59.9-million. |
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During the site selection phase of the project there was mention that the cost of the project was $36-million and now it is $59-million. What changed?
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| Initially, the construction portion of the budget was estimated to be $36-million and it has now increased to just over $40-milion with a more refined design and current construction cost figures. The overall project budget has remained consistent at approximately $59.9-million. |
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How are major capital projects typically funded?
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It begins with planning. The town has been planning for the replacement of the existing arena, new indoor recreation space, and a new larger library to meet the needs of the community for several years.
To help pay for these projects, the town has been collecting development charges from new development. Development charges are the fees paid by new residential and commercial development toward various capital projects that benefit new residents.
This money has been placed in reserves and will be used to help fund this project. All new development in Wasaga Beach, now and in the future, pays for a portion of the new facility through development charges.
Another source of funding is debt. Quite often municipalities incur debt to help finance projects. This is very similar to a mortgage that a homeowner takes out on a home purchase. The use of debt spreads the cost of the asset over several years and enables future property owners to pay for a portion of the debt. The cost of debt is quite cheap these days.
For large community-based projects, there is often a fundraising component. Campaigns are organized and residents, organizations, business people and corporations asked to contribute. A fundraising campaign for the library and arena project is under way. Learn more on our fundraising website.
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Does the size of the community and anticipated future growth support a new facility?
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In the 2016 Statistics Canada report, the town’s population is 20,675. The town adds approximately 500 to 600 people per year, therefore as of 2020 the estimated population is between 22,675 and 23,075. The library square footage size per capita benchmark is 1.2 square feet per capita. Based on this benchmark, the current population of at least 21,000 supports a library size of 25,000 square feet. Even without future growth, the new library will align with the current population benchmark. Over the next 15 to 20 years, the town’s new residential build outs are identified to exceed 3,000 new households. The new facility has a life expectancy of approximately 50 years. Based on the population projections, the new building will accommodate future growth and adequately meet current demand levels. A new twin-pad arena will equally support a growing community.
The population is forecasted to increase to 27,000 by 2030. The Town has sewage treatment capacity to grow to 38,000.
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What are the town’s plans to replenish reserves?
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| The financial plan is designed to rebuild reserves to ensure there is sufficient funding for future capital needs and provide the ability to respond to emergency requirements, or in-year expenditures. This is an important element of a financial sustainability strategy. The reserve levels should return to the present reserve levels by 2028, as per the chart below, through development charge contributions from growth, user fee contributions through water and sewer rates and building permit fees, and contributions from the tax rate. |
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Wasaga Beach is a community of predominantly older people. Why do we need such new amenities?
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While the town is home to a retired population, we have an ever-growing number of young families and professionals moving to the community. Statistics Canada’s 2016 census data speaks more to this here. From 2011 to 2016, the population for the age group 0-14 grew by 14 percent, indicating that there is an influx in younger families moving to the community. Statistics Canada data – showcased by the County of Simcoe here – also shows that between 2006 and 2016 our overall population grew from 15,030 to 20,675 and, as noted earlier, we are forecasted to reach 27,500 by 2031.
The programs and amenities offered at a new library and twin-pad arena can be utilized by all demographics. See the features planned section further down in the Q&A.
In addition, our elementary schools are at capacity. The public school board has plans to build a new elementary school in our community. This will be our third public elementary school, in addition to a Catholic elementary school. New schools are a hallmark of any healthy and growing community.
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What are the economic benefits of the facility?
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A twin-pad arena and library will help attract new residents to our community. These people will buy homes, spend money in stores, start their own businesses, bring skillsets that can be used in the labour market, and contribute to community life.
A new facility will also increase the number of people visiting the community, helping build the volume needed to support a branded hotel.
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Did the public have a role in what the buildings will look like?
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| Yes. There was a public consultation held on Aug. 20, 2020. Public and stakeholder input continues to be welcome through Let’s Talk Wasaga Beach. |
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What program features are planned for each facility?
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Twin-pad Arena
- Two NHL ice surfaces are proposed and one will have a section of fixed seating.
- Walking track and multi-purpose rooms with sufficient storage.
- Twelve team change rooms and smaller rooms for officials and coaches.
- Spacious lobby with sitting area.
- Central customer service desk.
- Canteen and tuck shop.
- Banquet hall similar to what exists at the Wasaga Stars Arena.
- Perhaps some space for a future Wasaga Beach Sports Hall of Fame.
- Total square feet of 96,000 square feet
- When the ice is out, court sports like basketball, ball hockey, pickle ball and indoor golf and indoor soccer.
- Concert and event space
Library
- Shared lobby with the arena.
- Many collaborative learning spaces like digital and media labs where residents can try new technologies, including 3D printers and music recording equipment.
- A learning lab where people can develop skills from sewing to science.
- Collaborate spaces where people can study, meet with clients, or hold group meetings.
- Safe comfortable spaces to relax and meet with friends.
- Special activity and program zones to engage children.
- Space for teens to hang out.
- Places for visitors to use computers, work at tables, and access office services like printing, scanning and fax.
- Total square feet of approximately 24,000.
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How were the features of the twin-pad arena and library selected?
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In both 2018 and 2020, the Recreation, Events and Facilities Department reached out to community stakeholders for input on what programming and services are needed in the community, and how the new twin-pad arena could potentially meet these needs.
In late 2019, Wasaga Beach Public Library launched a needs assessment consultation to determine what new library spaces, services and programs are deemed important by community residents.
The Director of Recreation, Events and Facilities, and the Director of Library Services, brought this information to council. In April 2020, members of council individually identified the arena and library programming elements they deemed priorities for the new build.
Using the council approved $59.9-million budget as a guide, and council input, staff and the consultants identified the top ranking priorities that could be realistically included. A report went to council on June 11, 2020 recommending the features to be included and council approved the recommendation.
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Tell me about the need for a project manager?
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Because of the large scope of the project, the town hired a project management company. You can read more about this here: http://bit.ly/2XgFcaP.
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Who is the town’s project manager?
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| Council approved retaining Colliers International. The company was selected through a competitive RFP process. They have extensive experience with these types of projects. They are being paid a fee of $513,000 to assist the town in managing the project. |
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When was the design scope approved?
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In June 2020, council approved the design scope – the program features and estimated square footage amounts – for the twin-pad arena and library. You can read more about this here.
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What is the size of the facility?
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| The total square footage is 117,669 square feet. |
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Does the project have an architect?
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In June 2020, council approved entering into an agreement with MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA), a Toronto-based firm, for the provision of design services for the new twin-pad arena.
The firm’s fee for architect services is $3.1-million.
You can learn more about this award-winning firm, established in 1988, here.
Council at its June 30, 2020 meeting approved the site placement for the new twin-pad arena and library. Read the related staff report here and see the related schedule here.
On Aug. 2020, we hosted a Design Open House at the RecPlex. Staff and consultants were on hand to review details of the project budget, scope, and programming. Visitors were able to ask questions and make comments.
The feedback will help increase the building’s functionality and community appeal.
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Tell me about the process to pre-qualify general contractors?
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In February 2021, council instructed staff to pre-qualify contractors for the twin-pad arena and library build.
The town issued a request for pre-qualification in March 2021.
Nine proposals were received and a process short-listed the number to five contractors.
In May 2021, council approved the list of five pre-qualified firms.
Read the related staff report.
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When did the town invite the pre-qualified contractors to bid?
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The town issued tender documents to the five pre-qualified contractors in July. The closing date for the firms to bid is Aug. 11.
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When did council award the building contract?
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Council awarded the building contract to Aquicon Construction Company Ltd. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021.
Read the related staff report.
Read the related news release.
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Can I see the schematic design?
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Yes. See the design.
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How can I donate to the twin-pad arena and library?
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Please visit our fundraising website.
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What are some of the key dates?
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- Dec. 15, 2020 – construction documentation phase;
- May 30, 2021 – construction tender creation period;
- July 2021 - construction tender documents issued to five pre-qualified general contractors;
- Aug. 11, 2021 – closing date for contractors to bid on project, followed by review and awarding of contract to build;
- Sept. 7, 2021 - construction contract awarded to Aquicon Construction Company Ltd.
- Sept. 22, 2021 - ground breaking at 544 River Rd. W. and launch of fundraising campaign.
- June 2023 - project completion.
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