They Shoot......They Score
By 250 News
Monday, March 14, 2011 09:31 PM
Prince George, B.C. – They came in team jerseys and ball caps, and filled the gallery at City hall, all to send a visual message about their concerns over the planned renovation to Kin 1. Their presence underscored the more than 100 emails sent to each and every member of Council.
The pressure worked.
At issue, the plans for the Kin 1 building which will see some demolition and a major upgrade to the facility to have it ready for the 2015 Winter Games. The user groups want an upgrade to Kin 1 and a new stand alone facility built.
Council asked staff to come back with details on what a cost comparison would mean in terms of time line and extra costs, but there is a hitch, because the City has a contract with the Canada Games Council to provide the facilities as outlined in the bid.
That report from Staff indicates:
· Extra expenditure for the cost comparison (for which there are no dollars) so staff say the tax levy would have to be boosted to cover that $105,000.
· Overall cost of upgrades to Kin 1 would be $16.5 million
· Demolition cost would be $180,000
· Adding a new facility would require an overhaul of the Exhibition Park masterplan and the cost of that is unknown
· Completion of the planned upgrades to Kin 1 would be Sept 2012
· If a new building is selected (providing the Canada Games Council would agree to a change in the plan) would not be completed until December 2014.
· If a new facility is to be built on the Exhibition grounds, there would have to be some decisions made on what to do with other buildings on the Exhibition grounds.
Councilor Cameron Stolz drew some applause from those in the gallery when he called for current staff to come up with an idea on what a new building would cost regardless of where it might be built on the Exhibition Grounds.
When asked how much money would be lost ( through ice time rentals) during the time Kin 1 is being upgraded, staff advised that the other arenas would be fully utilized and there would be cost savings because the City would not be operating Kin 1. Staff also say there is nothing to indicate a new facility is needed at this time.
Councilor Garth Frizzell says his email account was flooded with requests from user groups pushing for a new facility, but he would like to see if there is other commitment from the community “Two weeks would give enough time to clearly hear from the city (residents) if they are supportive of that commitment.” In other words, allow some time to find out if there is enough interest in the community at large to raise money or donate money.
Councilor Don Bassermann says “When the federal and provincial government are coming to the party with money, you will dance to their tune.” Bassermann says the Feds and Province will want to see support from a variety of levels before they come forth with any cash.
Mayor Dan Rogers says if the plan is changed, it would add a further $4-$6 million to the capital plan for the games. As for how it could be financed, the tax levy could be increased, or the City could borrow the money which would require an alternate approval process.
Council has approved moving forward with a cost analysis for a stand alone new facility . Council Wilbur says the analysis is a “responsible course to take, that knowledge is power, and right now we don’t have the knowledge.” He says the City needs to have the analysis in order to come to a fair decision on the possibility of a “Kin 4”.
Councilor Don Bassermann says the hockey users are not the only user groups who have an interest in facilities for the Winter Games. He says Council represents more than the 120 people who sent emails, and noted the curling groups, speed skaters and biathlon groups are all expected to come forth with their own requests for capital improvements. “There are a lot of user groups who have been waiting, for instance the Performing Arts centre people, when do they get their turn?”
Mayor Dan Rogers says it’s amazing, “Six months ago, this was all a pipe dream with no ability to pay, so I think no matter what happens, we are in a pretty good position At the end of the day the money that really matters is the $6.3 million that is on top of the money we’ve already allocated. Do you want to increase our debt load, or does everyone want to increase the taxes?” The Mayor says he is concerned this facility is being discussed in isolation of the other capital needs for the games. He says if there is money for a new arena, perhaps it should be built downtown. “My gut tells me to be conservative, save money.” He says even if the money is spent, he expects the final result of a cost analysis will be to move ahead with the existing plan .
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Posted by: Summit on March 14 2011 9:40 PM
