About This Project
The Multi-Use Recreation Centre is a major investment in the future of our community and our quality of life. White City's Town Centre Neighbourhood Plan would create a community hub for sports, recreation and culture. This is a huge opportunity to increase our quality of life, health and wellness and culture. It could also support economic development for our community and help realize a vibrant Town Centre, becoming the heart of our community.
Where We Are At
The Town has concluded Stage 3 (Architectural Drawings) of the Multi-Use Recreation Centre - a significant investment in our community's future and quality of life. This stage focused on advancing detailed design development for the two arenas, combined multi-use/fieldhouse and aquatics and a core spine. This approach allows the Town to continue to advance the phases/project when we are ready and able to do so.
The Multi-Use Recreation Center is part of the White City's Town Centre Neighbourhood Plan and would create a community hub for sports, recreation and culture. This is a huge opportunity to increase our quality of life, health, wellness, and culture. It would also support economic development for our community and help realize a vibrant Town Centre, becoming the heart of our community.
Arising from the Spring 2021 public engagement, the project team considered the detailed design in the context of the key takeaways:
- Be Visionary: Consider not just today and tomorrow but the future community, being prepared for the needs of the future when the facility is fully built out.
- Think Beyond: Be really, REALLY multi-use - truly multipurpose of the entire facility. This facility needs to be flexible and be used by everyone, providing amenities to support a broader representation of the community; not a "sports" multi-use facility but a "community" multi-use facility.
- Be Adaptable: Ensure flexibility if/as things change. This means being ready to go with whichever phase makes the most sense based on community need and desire.
This stage of the work has resulted in a design that:
- Advances the site plan to incorporate additional amenities, adjacency to indoor activities, enhancements for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and ensuring convenient accessible parking and access for buses and transport vehicles for events.
- Maximizes multiple, varied, and concurrent programming opportunities, optimizing revenue opportunities, competition, and tournament capabilities throughout the facility, with consideration for safety and inclusiveness.
- Maximizes non-sport events such as tradeshows, concerts, and major events to maximize revenue opportunities.
- Increases food and beverage access for spectator arena, including in-arena lounge, enabling mobile food services and maximizing access for event functions, including patio lounge opportunity and touch-down area.
- Maximizes washroom efficiency and flow, particularly in the spectator arena, with consideration for inclusiveness and accessibility throughout the facility.
- Optimizes "crush space" on both levels to support various events, including ticketing for paid events.
- Provides for flexibility of multi-use spaces that may be sublet/rented for a variety of purposes and to support various retail uses, including pro-shop, private fitness, physio, or food services, with some accessible external to the facility.
- Considers design elements to optimize the attractiveness of the overall facility and its components, from seating configuration, safety site lines, and accessibility.
- And includes a multitude of detailed design considerations, from sizing and amenities in the spectator arena to support a future Junior Hockey Team to optimizing parental support in the arenas and aquatics to optimizing the gymnasium layout to enable tournament play.
A presentation was provided to the White City Committee of the Whole on December 12, 2022 which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljVGDAa69RU beginning at minute 35:00 and updated reports will be published on whitecity.ca in 2023. Now that Stage 3 is complete, the Town will assess the next steps as a significant portion of the facility is intended to be funded through development and associated development levies. Progress on this project and development of the Town Centre has been impacted by wastewater capacity. Due to significant issues with the Town’s wastewater treatment capacity, substantial funding was diverted from other projects, including the Recreation Centre, to get us back on track. The Town's investment in Stage 3 represents an opportunity to advance the project (whichever phase is subsequently determined) towards being ready when the time is right.
While no budget is allocated in the 2023 Annual Budget, in the new year Council will be considering the official next steps for this project.
Project Work
Project Phasing
On February 22, 2022, Council approved advancing detailed design development (architectural drawings) for the two arenas, combined multi-use/fieldhouse and aquatics. This approach will allow the Town to continue to advance the phases/project when we are ready and able to do so. The Town's investment in Stage 3 represents an opportunity to advance the project (whichever phase is subsequently determined) towards being ready when the time is right.
The Multi-Use Recreation Centre is divided into multiple phases:
Spectator and Community Ice Arenas Phase
Fieldhouse and Gymnasiums Phase
Aquatic Centre Phase
Library & Child-Care Centre Phase
Ice Arenas 3 & 4 Phase (20-25 year potential add on to facility)
Following completion of Stage 3 of the project, the Spector and Community Ice Arenas, Fieldhouse and Gymnasiums or Aquatic Phase could be built first depending on funding and community requirements.
Project Stages
Each phase of the Multi-Use Recreation Centre will be managed in stages. The first three stages, from feasibility study to master construction planning, will be undertaken for the Centre as a whole. This will provide the town with the ability to assess the viability of the project at predefined intervals and determine if the project will proceed to the next stage. Before each stage is approved, Council will review and confirm if the project is still feasible and will continue to meet the strategic goals of the town.
Stage 0: Feasibility Study – Completed
Stage 1: Business Case – Completed
Stage 2: Master Construction Planning - Completed
Stage 3: Public Engagement and Design Development - Completed
Stage 4: Contract Document Preparation - Next Stage - Start Date to be Determined
Stage 5: Contractor Procurement
Stage 6: Construction
Stage 7: Pre-Opening Work and First Year Operations
Stage 8: Benefits Realization
Stage 3 - Public Engagement
Stage 3 includes Public Engagement and Design Development.
Public Engagement, or public participation, can be any process that involves the public in problem solving or decision making and uses public input to make sustainable decisions. Public Engagement is a unique process, separate from communications or a communications strategy, that consists of a series of activities and actions over the lifespan of a project both to inform the public and gain input from them. The International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) has developed a method and model of public participation to be used when planning and conducting public engagement. Administration will work with to apply the IAP2 method to the Multi-Use Recreation Centre project to gather input and engage the public by:
informing the citizens about the work that council has undertaken to explore a Multi-Use Recreation Centre with a high school to determine how such a Centre could meet the needs of the community;
consulting with the citizens about the scope of the project, how it will meet the needs of user groups, the estimated cost of the current concept plan and funding required to begin construction of the Centre; and
engaging citizens to collectively determine next steps for the community.
Public Engagement
The official Stage 3 Multi-Use Recreation Centre engagement process is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated by visiting this site, taking the survey, attending a workshop and sharing your feedback. Your participation is appreciated, and your feedback is necessary to inform Council's decision on next steps.
From April 22 to May 20, community and stakeholder engagement occurred through surveys, workshops, stakeholder interviews, direct mailers, online informational videos, FAQ's and engagement through email and the project's community liaison. While the engagement for this Stage of the Multi-Use Recreation Centre is now closed, the community and its stakeholders will continue to have access to submit their comments to townoffice@whitecity.ca . Archived information, including videos and FAQ's, will continue to be made available on Engage White City.
Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 - Full Engagement Findings Report
Stage 3 - Design Development
Stage 3 includes Public Engagement and Design Development.
Stage 3 is now complete, the Town will assess the next steps as a significant portion of the facility is intended to be funded through development and associated development levies. Progress on this project and development of the Town Centre has been impacted by wastewater capacity. Due to significant issues with the Town’s wastewater treatment capacity, substantial funding was diverted from other projects, including the Recreation Centre, to get us back on track. The Town's investment in Stage 3 represents an opportunity to advance the project (whichever phase is subsequently determined) towards being ready when the time is right.
While no budget is allocated in the 2023 Annual Budget, in the new year Council will be considering the official next steps for this project.
Check back for final reports from this stage - coming soon!
Stage 2 - Master Construction Planning
With the Master Construction Planning Phase of the project being completed in October 2020 the Town is now moving forward with a public engagement process which will provide residents with much anticipated information on the progress of the Centre and how the Town will proceed. With a clear picture of the Multi-Use Recreation Centre we are now one step closer to securing a much-needed high school located in our community by providing an attractive, well-planned opportunity for the provincial government.
The two major components of the Master Construction Planning include the Schematic Design of the Centre and a Financial Analysis to determine affordability and tax implications:
Schematic Design
Appendix C - Schedule of Accommodation
Financial Analysis
Additional confidential & preliminary reports include:
- Preliminary Furniture Fixutre & Equipment Requirements
- Geotechnical Investigations
- Class C Cost Estimate
- Requirements Management Plan
- Operating Proformas
- Owner's Project Requirements
Stage 1 - Business Case And Fundraising Feasibility
In 2019, the Town engaged two firms to complete the Multi-Use Recreation Centre Business Case and Fundraising Feasiblity Study. The Business Case, completed by KPMG, objectives were to:
- Elaborate on the financial operating model that was developed in the feasibility study.
- Provide options for the organizational design and governance model.
- Confirm what strategic partnerships may exist.
- Analyze what options exist for delivering the construction project. Options included, traditional design/bid/build, design/build, construction management, design/build/operate, among other options.
- Refine the net present value financial model developed in the feasibility study.
- Work with sponsorship and fundraising consultants that will be procured directly by the town and surrounding area.
- Develop an economic impact analysis to confirm the potential economic impact on the town and surrounding area.
- Fully develop a business case that will be presented to Council for a decision to proceed with a project and, if so, under what delivery model.
- Ensure ongoing business case and business assurance during construction and management of the project.
Stage 0 - Feasibility Study
In October 2018, the Town of White City engaged Midgard Project Management and aodbt architecture + interior design to complete a Feasibility Study to determine the viability of a variety of indoor recreation components to be consolidated into one Centre.
The feasibility study process included:
- Information Gathering – Review of growth projections, community surveys, and stakeholder interviews to identify needs;
- Design Charette – Collaborative design session to identify priorities and community desire from key stakeholder groups;
- Conceptual Centre Design – Centre design and area allocation based on Town of White City (town) goals and stakeholder feedback;
- Capital Costing Analysis – Class D cost opinion development for each Centre component;
- Operational Costing Analysis – Analysis of potential revenues, expenditures, and cost recovery related to each Centre component. Projections are based on conservative estimates for rental revenue and rental hours to be utilized. aodbt conducted an analysis of similar facilities in other communities and researched the City of Regina rates as well as neighboring communities; and
- Reporting – Report findings and recommendations to move forward into the next phases of development.
Project Timeline & Reports To Council
February 22, 2022 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Project Plan *Confidential*
THAT the scope of the Multi-Use Recreation Centre (MURC) Stage 3 Project Plan be altered to focus efforts and the approved budget to complete Design Development (architectural drawings) for the following three phases of the project: two arenas, multi-use/fieldhouse, and aquatics, based on the updated Schematic Design.
July 12, 2021 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Report *Confidential*
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Design Development Plan, as attached to and forming part of these minutes, for an estimated cost of $1.18M be approved.
June 28, 2021 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Report *Confidential*
Resolution No. 206/21
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Design Development Plan decision be deferred to the July 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting;
THAT administration be authorized to release the following confidential Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 1 information:
Multi-Use Recreational Facility Business Case prepared by KPMG LLP.
THAT the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of White City and the lead donor be approved by authorized the Mayor and Town Manager to execute the agreement.
June 14, 2021 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Engagement Report
Resolution No. 190/21
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 Engagement Findings Report be received.
April 6, 2021 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Confidential Information Release *Confidential*
Resolution No. 096/21
THAT administration be authorized to release the following confidential Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 2 information on April 22, 2021:
1. Condensed Schematic Design Report
2. Summarized Financial Analysis
3. Proposed Land Location
February 8, 2021 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Public Engagement Plan *Confidential*
Resolution No. 033/21
THAT the Community and Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Plan confidential report be accepted; and
THAT a sole-source contract with Delaney and Associates to provide public engagement and communications services for the Multi-Use Recreation Centre for a contract price of $72,415.00 be approved.
December 14, 2020 - Delaney & Associates contracted for Public Engagement Planning
Resolution No. 391/20
THAT a contract with Delaney and Associates to provide public participation planning services for the Multi-Use Recreation Facility for a contract price of $9,550.00 be approved.
November 2, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreational Parcel Land Agreement *Confidential*
Resolution No. 317/20
THAT the Memorandum of Agreement between White City Investments Ltd and the Town of White City for the purchase of a 27.64 acre parcel and an option to purchase a second 22.20 acre parcel to accommodate a proposed Multi-Use Recreational Facility and High School be approved as presented; and
THAT the Mayor and Town Manager be hereby authorized to execute the Memorandum of Agreement and all necessary corporate actions to deliver the Agreement on behalf of the Town of White City.
November 2, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Public Participation Strategy *Confidential*
Resolution No. 318/20
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Public Participation Strategy information report be accepted.
October 19, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Stage 3 *Confidential*
Resolution No. 286/20
THAT administration prepare documents to execute an agreement related to the Multi-Use Recreation Facility
Resolution No. 287/20
THAT administration prepare documentation to approve Stage 3 of the Multi-Use Recreation Facility as amended to proceed with the development and execution of a public engagement strategy and the formation of a fundraising committee prior to proceeding the with second portion of Stage 3 including detailed design and additional design work.
October 3, 2020 - Stage 2 Reports and Documents Presented to Council *Confidential*
August 10, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Progress Report *Confidential*
Resolution No. 217/20
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Activity Report be accepted.
July 27, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Research *Confidential*
Resolution No. 204/20
THAT Confidential Council Decision Item 12-012 - Multi-Use Recreation Facility Research be tabled.
May 4, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Centre Schematic Design Contract *Confidential*
Resolution No. 127/20
THAT administration be authorized to execute contracts:
with aodbt architecture + design at a contract price of $424,000; and
with Nustadia Recreation Inc. at a contract price of $37,500
for a combined total of $461,500 for completion of pre-design and schematic design options for the Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility
April 6, 2020 - Multi-Use Recreation Facility
Resolution No. 096/20
THAT due to the unknown implications of COVID-19, administration enter contract negotiations with aodbt architecture + design for reduced scope design options for the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Phase I, consisting of two arenas, to be completed for a target date of September 2023.
March 23, 2019 – aodbt awarded Feasibility Study Contract
Resolution No. 086/20
THAT the Request for Proposals for the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Schematic Design be awarded to aodbt architecture+ design in the amount of $463,500.
October 7, 2019 – Council accepts Business Case and Fundraising Feasibility Study *Confidential*
Resolution No. 262/19
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Stage Plan 2 (Schematic Design) which includes:
i. The procurement of:
1. project management team;
2. design team;
3. requirements team;
4. geotechnical consultant;
5. commissioning consultant;
6. third party cost estimator;
7. finance and commercial advisor; and
8. fundraising consultant.
ii. To execute the following work:
1. requirements traceability;
2. fundraising campaign planning and execution for phase 1 of the project;
3. development of owner's project requirements (OPR) for commissioning;
4. geotechnical investigation;
5. cost estimation; and
6. the schematic design of the entire facility (phases 1, 2 and 3).
iii. For the delivery of:
1. geotechnical investigation report;
2. owner's project requirements (OPR) for commissioning;
3. pre-design;
4. schematic design of the entire facility (phases 1, 2 and 3);
5. requirement tracing documentation;
6. cost estimates;
7. fundraising campaign;
8. detailed stage plan for design and construction phase; and
9. business assurance, including finance readiness.
for an estimated cost of $1.70M be approved.
September 23, 2019 – Business Case and Fundraising Feasibility Presentations *Confidential*
Resolution No. 242/19
THAT the two confidential reports, being the Campaign Feasibility Study Report as prepared by DCG Philanthropic Services Inc. and the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Business Case Report as prepared by KPMG, be received.
Resolution No. 243/19
THAT further decisions related to the Multi-Use Recreation Facility be deferred to the October 07, 2019 Regular Council Meeting.
June 17, 2019 – DCG contracted for Fundraising Feasibility
Resolution No. 165/19
THAT DCG Philanthropic Services be contracted to complete a Multi-Use Recreation Facility Fundraising Feasibility Study to form part of the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Business Case.
April 23, 2019 – Council accepts Feasibility Study
Resolution No. 122/19
THAT the Multi-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study completed by aodbt architecture+ interior design and dated March 22, 2019 be accepted.
March 25, 2019 – aodbt presents Feasibility Study
September 24, 2018 – RFP for Feasbility Study
Resolution No. 246/18
THAT the Request for Bid for the Joint-Use Recreation Facility Feasibility Study be awarded to aodbt architecture + design in the amount of $44,000.