When it comes to the proposed Aquatic & Wellness Centre (AWC), two options were presented to Council for consideration on Tuesday, October 11th (2022).
The first option was to development the north side to Tomlinson Drive however, several constraints such as the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) building and a complete renovation of the existing Administration offices presented barriers.
The second option was to have the development on the east side of the Plex adjacent to Wellington Street where the BMX track is currently located but the skateboard park will remain.
When considering the designs, the consultant said that parking was also a major concern going forward.
Option 2, a two-story building, was recommended by staff and the consultant as it would allow for the greatest flexibility when considering:
- The ability to phase in construction,
- Less disruption to existing operations at Municipal Office and Plex during construction,
- More physical real estate that allows for adjustments during the detailed design phase,
- Better site circulation for all amenities on-site, and
- The retention of natural light in Plex lobby and Municipal Offices.
Council also opted to increase the swimming lanes in the pool to eight from six as recommended by the Breakers Swim Team for competitive meets and to also have the walking track increased from three to four lanes.
All enhancements come with a price however, as supply prices continues to increase. With the swim lane increase, the project is expected to also increase from 50,000 sq. ft. to 54,000 sq. ft.
The original 2019 budget carried a construction cost of $26M for 50,000 sq.ft. at $520/sq.ft. By 2022, market report surveys reflect an average order-of-magnitude cost for community aquatics facilities in the Province of Ontario to be in the range of $630/sq.ft. This represents an increase of roughly 21% over a three-year period, which is mainly a result of economic conditions attributed to the pandemic and market disruption. The projected cost for 2023 is of $34.15 million plus an extra $2.73M for the two extra swim lanes. Escalation to 2023 is predicted to be 9.8%, which would reflect a cost of $683/sq. ft. next year.
“We have talking about this pool for 18 years,” said Vice-deputy Mayor Mike Myatt, “and costs are only going to keep increasing. The community also has to realize that if they want all the bells and whistles, they are going to have to help out. I would also like to see staff look at all grants possible and in combination with fundraising, perhaps we can get the cost down.”
Councillor John Divinski added that if this is to be a world-class development the extra lane and track should be included. “If we are going to spend this kind of money, we are only going to have one chance to get this right. We need the eight lanes to bring in swim meets that are regional and provincial in scope. Option 2 allows us to do things we want.”
“I agree with Councillor Divinski,” said Councillor Matt Carr. “Let’s do this right so we aren’t looking back 10 or 15 years from now – we have to look to 30 or 40 years down the road. It is going to be a lot of money and we know that now so we have to do it right once.
Councillor Mini Jacques asked about the energy efficiencies for the new build and said that she also liked Option 2 that includes an outdoor space.
“There is a real opportunity here to create a grand entrance to the building,” said Mayor Luke Charonneau. “This should be a showcase that isn’t necessarily dedicated to automobile traffic in the front of the building. There should be a public space.”
Deputy Mayor Don Matheson also pointed out that there should be internet access throughout the facility. “Everyone is on their phone today and the building should be wired and also so that those outside have access.”
“We are advancing these major projects to serve our active and growing population,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “As we build these new facilities, we are enhancing the health of our residents and making Saugeen Shores a regional centre for sports and recreation.”
Council directed staff to return on December 12th with a more detailed design and project budget. The approved concept design came after the Town solicited residents’ input through a public meeting on August 31st, as well as through public submissions and extensive consultation.
Construction for the AWC is projected to start in June 2023, with a public opening in Spring 2025.
