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The Township of Georgian Bluffs is planning to renovate the Kemble Community Centre (Arena) to improve accessibility and create a more flexible, multi-use space for recreation programs, social activities and events for the community to enjoy.
Final Design Concept
Following extensive community engagement, Masri O architects has developed a final design concept for the Kemble Community Centre. The design includes flexible gymnasium and meeting room space, a servery, accessible washrooms and changerooms, storage spaces, and more. Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback to this design.
Council will be reviewing the Final Design Concept at their meeting on February 1, 2022.
Download the Final Design Concept
Project Update
The updated costing for the renovation based on the more detailed design concept is now estimated at $5.72 million (in 2024), compared to the $1.7 million original budget. This increase is largely due to:
- Substantial increases in construction costs through the COVID-19 pandemic (15-20% per year).
- Inclusion of essential elements that were not originally budgeted for, such as the septic system and net-metered solar.
- Inclusion of a 20% contingency.
A reduction in scope or “value engineering” of the project has been completed and there is very little that can be removed from the scope without impacting community use or grant outcomes. The large cost items support the overall usability of the space to meet the needs of the community or are related to the facility condition assessment.
Township staff will be seeking direction from Council on how to proceed with the project, with a recommendation that the project be deferred until adequate funding can be sourced through additional or new grants or partnership funding. For more information, see the Kemble Community Centre Update Report.
All Township documents can be made available in an accessible format upon request.
About The Project
| Open House |
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Thank you to everyone who came out to the Kemble Arena Open House on September 26, 2022 to share your ideas for the space. Here are the idea boards from the session, and a link to the online survey to let us know what recreation programs, activities and amenities you would like to see at the Kemble Community Centre. Photo Gallery: Kemble Arena Renovation will appear here on the public site.
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| Project Scope |
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The scope of this project is to transform the existing arena layout to a multi-purpose community centre, and address structural and accessibility concerns with the current facility. Upgrades to the Kemble Community Centre (Arena) will allow full compliance with the Ontarians With Disabilities Act and ensure unrestricted access to the facility for use by all. Energy upgrades will also ensure a reduced carbon footprint and reduced long term operating costs. Interior renovations will ensure barrier free access as well as the ability to partition off larger spaces to ensure efficient use of space and allow for simultaneous activity. |
| About the Facility |
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The Kemble Arena was originally built in the1970's as a natural ice arena. It now contains a dry-floor pad with two change rooms and small meeting room. The site was deeded to the Township by its former property owner on the condition that it remains in perpetuity for recreational use. It has supported the Kemble Carpet Bowlers, Kemble Women's Institute, Local Lion's Club, local parent groups, and the general population. During the development of the Township's recreation and Trails Master Plan, it became clear from community feedback and site visits that the Kemble & District Arena is in an antiquated lifecycle state and is not responding to the needs of residents living in the surrounding settlement areas. A building condition assessment of the facility identified that many mechanical, electrical and structural components are at or near the end of their remaining useful life. The condition assessment also found that several building components are not compliant with modern accessibility standards. The Kemble & District Arena is important under the Township’s current mandate as a provider of physical space for community-based programs and rentals, serving as an outreach destination for residents living in the north and eastern settlements. |
| Budget |
| The funding for the Community Centre, courtesy of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), includes $678,000 from the federal government and $565,000 from the provincial government. The Township is also contributing approximately $452,000 for a total investment of close to $1.7 million. |
| Timeline |
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| Resources |