The Canmore Rec Centre is expected to undergo over $10 million worth of work beginning in 2018 – but none of the plans include expanding recreation services offered at the facility.
Michael Fark, general manager of municipal infrastructure, indicated the design process for the lifecycle replacement project has begun for the large and complex project.”
Fark said the project is proposed to occur during a single year instead of over several at the recommendation from the consultants that undertook an assessment of the building in 2014.
“We were advised that it would be complicated and add risk to spread the design and construction over time,” he said, adding the longer it takes to go from detailed design to construction the more the project’s cost will escalate. “For that reason we have recommended bringing that project forward in 2018 to allow or adjust for that.”
The major facility project is proposed to complete lifecycle maintenance only and component replacement on what is by far the largest municipal facility at 9,656 square metres in size. The Canmore Rec Centre has also been constructed in three parts – the original rink and lobby in 1983, the addition of the pool in 1987 and the addition of the Thelma Crowe Arena in 2007.
Different components being constructed at different times has created a maintenance and operational challenge – with mechanical systems for each different part of the facility, for example.
Now with a building condition assessment having been conducted by CCI Group in 2014, the building has been flagged for significant work just to complete maintenance and replacement projects that have either accumulated or been deferred by past councils.
The project includes a new refrigeration plant, new seating in both arenas, $3 million just for work on the Alex Kaleta rink roof, the addition of a flex change room, office space modifications, lighting improvements and other core maintenance needs.
According to the project summary in the budget, improvements to the mechanical systems are expected to significantly improve the facility’s efficiency in terms of reducing power and gas consumption. Staff also expect improvements to extend the building’s life expectancy by another 25 to 30 years.
Councillor Sean Krausert expressed concerns that the project cost could still increase from the $10.3 million currently budgeted.
Fark said the biggest risk to the overall project cost is the roof of Alex Kalenta Arena, which at this point in time needs at least $3 million of work to meet current building codes for snow loading in winter.
That being said, he told council administration is “optimistic” the project cost may be less than budgeted.
“We have been very clear with our consultants that this is the maximum amount of money we have to work with,” Fark said, adding if the cost goes above the budget, they will then look at reducing scope to bring it back in line with council’s approval.
“We plan on still coming back to council with a final design and cost.”
Because Canmore council is considering and approving a two-year budget, the Rec Centre project planned for 2018 will actually get approved or not by this council, not the one that will be elected in the October municipal election.
Fark reminded council that while the project is still over a year away, and after the next municipal election in October, budget approval is actual budget approval.
“You are approving a budget for 2018,” he said.
