Study Says Living Life Project Not Feasible
Today the Journal Argus reports that Monteith and Brown Planning Consultants could not recommend that St Marys proceed with any one of the main aspects of the Living Life Project (the proposed expansion of the St Marys Ontario Arena)
At a public meeting June 1 Todd Brown and Steve Langlois, from Monteith Brown, summarized the results of the study, key points of which were highlighted in a power point presentation, before inviting questions from the audience. They could not recommend proceeding with any of the three main aspects of the project -- the second ice pad, swimming pool or fitness centre.
The consultants research showed that St Marys needs 1.5 ice pads, but would have difficulty filling ice times if there are two ice pads. (see Monteith Brown Additional Arena Analysis)
The study suggests that an indoor pool would lose $141,928 in its first year and $153,627 by year five, and that's not factoring in staffing costs associated with the management of the entire complex, nor capital maintenance.
"There is insufficient market to recommend an indoor pool at this time," Todd Brown said. (see Monteith Brown Findings on an Indoor Pool)
As to a fitness facility, there is little "unmet demand" and a second fitness centre would clearly be a detriment to the existing Wellness Centre.
"It is not recommended that a fitness centre to be built," the planner said. (see Monteith Brown Findings on a Fitness Centre)
A summary of the consultant's capital cost study revealed that estimated cost to build the facility is between $14.927 and $16.554 million (not including financing).
The consultants suggested that if the municipality went ahead with the project, building a second ice pad, indoor pool and fitness facility, they would lose close to $400,000 a year, not including any management fees which would be additional.
At a public meeting June 1 Todd Brown and Steve Langlois, from Monteith Brown, summarized the results of the study, key points of which were highlighted in a power point presentation, before inviting questions from the audience. They could not recommend proceeding with any of the three main aspects of the project -- the second ice pad, swimming pool or fitness centre.
The consultants research showed that St Marys needs 1.5 ice pads, but would have difficulty filling ice times if there are two ice pads. (see Monteith Brown Additional Arena Analysis)
The study suggests that an indoor pool would lose $141,928 in its first year and $153,627 by year five, and that's not factoring in staffing costs associated with the management of the entire complex, nor capital maintenance.
"There is insufficient market to recommend an indoor pool at this time," Todd Brown said. (see Monteith Brown Findings on an Indoor Pool)
As to a fitness facility, there is little "unmet demand" and a second fitness centre would clearly be a detriment to the existing Wellness Centre.
"It is not recommended that a fitness centre to be built," the planner said. (see Monteith Brown Findings on a Fitness Centre)
A summary of the consultant's capital cost study revealed that estimated cost to build the facility is between $14.927 and $16.554 million (not including financing).
The consultants suggested that if the municipality went ahead with the project, building a second ice pad, indoor pool and fitness facility, they would lose close to $400,000 a year, not including any management fees which would be additional.
