posting
04-19-2006, 07:01 PM
Corporation of the City of Kingston
MEMORIAL CENTRE REVITALIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 03-2006
Minutes
Meeting held Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Front Lounge, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
PRESENT:
Glenn Barnes, Dr. J. Carson, Ken Cuthbertson, Bert Diamond, Leon Doucet, Brenda Draper, Mary Fleming, Councillor Garrison [arrived 7:50 pm], Graham Lodge, Councillor Meers, Jana Mills, Councillor Smith
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT:
Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability
Mark Fluhrer, Director, Culture & Recreation
Kristine Hebert, Parks Planner
Denis Leger, Commissioner, Corporate Services
Sunni Rideout, Committee Clerk
OTHERS:
Mr. Darren Davis, CKWS TV
THIS IS NOT A VERBATIM REPORT
Dr. Jamie Carson, assumed the position of Chair and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Brenda Draper
That the Agenda, as presented be approved.
CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There was none.
DELEGATION
Dr. Carson introduced Mr. Bruce Downey and Mikaela Hughes of Hughes Downey Architects who are present to speak to the Committee on the Memorial Centre Design Charette presented by the Saint Lawrence Valley Society of Architects respecting proposed uses of the Memorial Centre and grounds.
Michaela Hughes provided an overview with a power point presentation reviewing a previous 3 day charette led by Joe Lobco, a Toronto architect noting that each participant provided ideas after visiting the site and surrounding neighbourhoods, reviewing source materials, and public comments.
The following principles arose out of the original charette:
reduce boundaries to the site;
recognize the site’s historic and cultural significance;
apply environmentally conscious “green thinking”;
reuse and increase uses of buildings for the community;
promote increased use of the site;
limit vehicular access to the site. The highlights of the site elements in the charette are as follows:
updating the current needs through the removal of extra baseball diamonds and creating soccer and cricket fields while still remaining flexible to consider a variety of activities including a skateboard park;
Creating a significant Memorial entrance with gardens, fountain, benches etc.;
Increasing the agricultural component with the addition of a greenhouse and community garden;
Creating a children’s playground with an improved pool, splash pad, pond and shading for parents along with outdoor skating in winter.
Planting a forest area around the perimeter of the site to camouflage the sports fields with pathways and resting areas, providing a rock garden with a water feature and lookout above;
The addition of pedestrian gateways at street intersections;
Maintaining perimeter street parking and creating underground parking all to be camouflaged by plantings and trees. Dr. Carson thanked Mr. Downey and Ms Hughes for their presentation inviting questions from the Committee.
It was suggested that the parking component including any underground facility would have to be carefully considered so as to render the site inviting from every aspect.
Mr. Downey stated that periodic containment of the site could be both functional and attractive and agreed with Mr. Cuthbertson that this could well represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop a space to define an entire community.
In response to a question from Brenda Draper about where things for the Fair would fit in, Mr. Downey advised that the site would continue to be used pretty much the way it is now but stated that some thought would have to be given to repairing any damage to the grounds after heavy use from an event like the Fair.
Mr Doucet asked why the bleachers, which are in need of some major maintenance, could not be replaced by temporary bleachers when they are only required for a few days 3 or 4 times a year.
Mr. Cuthbertson asked what the impact would be if the was decided that there would be no ice surface at the Memorial Centre and Mr. Downey noted it was still a fine building that could be used for many things.
Councillor Garrison arrived at the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Ms Mills asked to what level the seating would be reduced in order to accommodate an indoor track and if lighting issues had been considered. It was noted that Queen’s University is constructing a new facility with no track and it may be appropriate to reconsider having a track at the Memorial Centre.
Mr. Doucet left the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Ken Cuthbertson
That the Charette presentation handout be received as information for the Committee.
CARRIED
Councillor Garrison resumed the position of Chair.
BUSINESS
Ice Utilization Options for Queen’s University(Report No. MCR-06-001) [Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability
Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability pointed out that the proposed repurposing of the Memorial Centre, Harold Harvey and Cook Brothers arenas will involve additional community consultation and that an overall ice utilization strategy is being investigated to assist in keeping community rinks open while providing additional revenue.
The timelines for the projected completion of both Multiplex (February, 2008) and LVEC (Large Venue Entertainment Centre) (December 2007) are largely uncertain and make it unlikely that the City will be able to commit an ice surface to Queen’s University for their use particularly as they have specified that some spectator seating for some events would be required. The construction of a temporary facility by Queen’s was considered but the investment would be substantial. Ice rental times to Queen’s University could only be guaranteed if one more ice pad was available.
Ms Beach suggested that consideration be given to offering Queen’s non-prime time ice in all existing arena facilities including the Memorial Centre that would not displace current users until such time as the construction of the Multiplex and/or LVEC is completed. She pointed out that the anticipated ice rental revenue from Queen’s would recover a major portion of costs associated with operating the arena while also providing approximately a window of approximately 5 years to permit the City to assess its position in terms of available facilities.
Ms Beach clarified that there is no pressure to the City from Queen’s University from a time perspective and that the University is making its own plans, speaking with other institutions and potentially considering a partnership with the Base. She was unable to advise if Queens would be an interested tenant in 2007 through 2013 when their new facility would be completed.
Mr. Mark Fluhrer, Director, Culture & Recreation advised there were very few hours of public skating offered at the Memorial Centre and that greater opportunities to the community including Queen’s University could be available. It was made clear that once the Multiplex has been completed that user groups would be encouraged to move their home ice to the more efficient facilities to reduce overall costs.
Councillor Garrison requested that Dr. Carson assume the position of Chair.
Councillor Garrison explained that he was requesting the Committee to consider adding a clause to the recommendation that would require that any funds paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston arising from a lease agreement for the Memorial Centre or any other City facility be dedicated to the Memorial Centre.
A discussion took place relating to having all revenues generated by the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be earmarked for a reserve fund and dedicated to the operation of, capital repairs or the revitalization of the Memorial Centre. Ms Beach explained that there are no cost centres and that the revenues would go to arena cost and be used to run the Memorial Centre. She pointed out that the Memorial Centre is currently running at an annual deficit of $200,000 because it is a highly inefficient building with high capital costs. She stated that there would be no difficulty with accounting for the costs but there would not be a fund created specifically by doing something with Queen’s University.
Moved by Councillor Smith
Seconded by Bert Diamond
That Council extend an offer to Queen’s for the rental of ice time that can be scheduled without displacing community groups already using existing facilities which may include the offer of renting time available in all existing arena facilities and at the Memorial Centre until the construction of a new Multiplex facility and/or LVEC is completed
- and further -
That any funds that could be paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston as a result of a leasing agreement in regards to the use of the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be solely dedicated to either the operations of, capital repairs, to or revitalization of the Memorial Centre.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
(see following motion to amend)
Moved by Councillor Garrison
Seconded by Ken Cuthbertson
That any funds that could be paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston as a result of a leasing agreement in regards to the use of the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be solely dedicated to either the operations of, capital repairs, to or revitalization of the Memorial Centre.
CARRIED
Councillor Garrison resumed the position of Chair
OTHER BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
DATE OF NEXT MEETING / NEXT STEPS
It was discussed and agreed that the following items would be put on the next agenda for discussion:
Review and discussion of braining storming issues as distributed at the meeting of March 28th in order to achieve a vision as a committee.
Review and discuss the Saint Lawrence Valley Society of Architects Memorial Centre Design Charette with a view to exploring cost saving measures.
Ms Brenda Draper was requested to consult with the Agricultural Society and to make a statement to the Committee on where they would fit into the Memorial Centre vision. The Committee was reminded that there is also a legal agreement that must be dealt with. Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Graham Lodge
THAT staff be requested to provide a plan outlining next steps to be discussed at their meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 25th, 2006.
CARRIED
·The next meeting of the Memorial Centre Revitalization Advisory Committee will be held Tuesday, 11th April, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Front Lounge, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Meers
Seconded by Brenda Draper
That we so adjourn at 9:20 p.m.
CARRIED
MEMORIAL CENTRE REVITALIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 03-2006
Minutes
Meeting held Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Front Lounge, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
PRESENT:
Glenn Barnes, Dr. J. Carson, Ken Cuthbertson, Bert Diamond, Leon Doucet, Brenda Draper, Mary Fleming, Councillor Garrison [arrived 7:50 pm], Graham Lodge, Councillor Meers, Jana Mills, Councillor Smith
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRESENT:
Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability
Mark Fluhrer, Director, Culture & Recreation
Kristine Hebert, Parks Planner
Denis Leger, Commissioner, Corporate Services
Sunni Rideout, Committee Clerk
OTHERS:
Mr. Darren Davis, CKWS TV
THIS IS NOT A VERBATIM REPORT
Dr. Jamie Carson, assumed the position of Chair and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Brenda Draper
That the Agenda, as presented be approved.
CARRIED
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There was none.
DELEGATION
Dr. Carson introduced Mr. Bruce Downey and Mikaela Hughes of Hughes Downey Architects who are present to speak to the Committee on the Memorial Centre Design Charette presented by the Saint Lawrence Valley Society of Architects respecting proposed uses of the Memorial Centre and grounds.
Michaela Hughes provided an overview with a power point presentation reviewing a previous 3 day charette led by Joe Lobco, a Toronto architect noting that each participant provided ideas after visiting the site and surrounding neighbourhoods, reviewing source materials, and public comments.
The following principles arose out of the original charette:
reduce boundaries to the site;
recognize the site’s historic and cultural significance;
apply environmentally conscious “green thinking”;
reuse and increase uses of buildings for the community;
promote increased use of the site;
limit vehicular access to the site. The highlights of the site elements in the charette are as follows:
updating the current needs through the removal of extra baseball diamonds and creating soccer and cricket fields while still remaining flexible to consider a variety of activities including a skateboard park;
Creating a significant Memorial entrance with gardens, fountain, benches etc.;
Increasing the agricultural component with the addition of a greenhouse and community garden;
Creating a children’s playground with an improved pool, splash pad, pond and shading for parents along with outdoor skating in winter.
Planting a forest area around the perimeter of the site to camouflage the sports fields with pathways and resting areas, providing a rock garden with a water feature and lookout above;
The addition of pedestrian gateways at street intersections;
Maintaining perimeter street parking and creating underground parking all to be camouflaged by plantings and trees. Dr. Carson thanked Mr. Downey and Ms Hughes for their presentation inviting questions from the Committee.
It was suggested that the parking component including any underground facility would have to be carefully considered so as to render the site inviting from every aspect.
Mr. Downey stated that periodic containment of the site could be both functional and attractive and agreed with Mr. Cuthbertson that this could well represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop a space to define an entire community.
In response to a question from Brenda Draper about where things for the Fair would fit in, Mr. Downey advised that the site would continue to be used pretty much the way it is now but stated that some thought would have to be given to repairing any damage to the grounds after heavy use from an event like the Fair.
Mr Doucet asked why the bleachers, which are in need of some major maintenance, could not be replaced by temporary bleachers when they are only required for a few days 3 or 4 times a year.
Mr. Cuthbertson asked what the impact would be if the was decided that there would be no ice surface at the Memorial Centre and Mr. Downey noted it was still a fine building that could be used for many things.
Councillor Garrison arrived at the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Ms Mills asked to what level the seating would be reduced in order to accommodate an indoor track and if lighting issues had been considered. It was noted that Queen’s University is constructing a new facility with no track and it may be appropriate to reconsider having a track at the Memorial Centre.
Mr. Doucet left the meeting at 7:58 p.m.
Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Ken Cuthbertson
That the Charette presentation handout be received as information for the Committee.
CARRIED
Councillor Garrison resumed the position of Chair.
BUSINESS
Ice Utilization Options for Queen’s University(Report No. MCR-06-001) [Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability
Cynthia Beach, Commissioner, Growth & Sustainability pointed out that the proposed repurposing of the Memorial Centre, Harold Harvey and Cook Brothers arenas will involve additional community consultation and that an overall ice utilization strategy is being investigated to assist in keeping community rinks open while providing additional revenue.
The timelines for the projected completion of both Multiplex (February, 2008) and LVEC (Large Venue Entertainment Centre) (December 2007) are largely uncertain and make it unlikely that the City will be able to commit an ice surface to Queen’s University for their use particularly as they have specified that some spectator seating for some events would be required. The construction of a temporary facility by Queen’s was considered but the investment would be substantial. Ice rental times to Queen’s University could only be guaranteed if one more ice pad was available.
Ms Beach suggested that consideration be given to offering Queen’s non-prime time ice in all existing arena facilities including the Memorial Centre that would not displace current users until such time as the construction of the Multiplex and/or LVEC is completed. She pointed out that the anticipated ice rental revenue from Queen’s would recover a major portion of costs associated with operating the arena while also providing approximately a window of approximately 5 years to permit the City to assess its position in terms of available facilities.
Ms Beach clarified that there is no pressure to the City from Queen’s University from a time perspective and that the University is making its own plans, speaking with other institutions and potentially considering a partnership with the Base. She was unable to advise if Queens would be an interested tenant in 2007 through 2013 when their new facility would be completed.
Mr. Mark Fluhrer, Director, Culture & Recreation advised there were very few hours of public skating offered at the Memorial Centre and that greater opportunities to the community including Queen’s University could be available. It was made clear that once the Multiplex has been completed that user groups would be encouraged to move their home ice to the more efficient facilities to reduce overall costs.
Councillor Garrison requested that Dr. Carson assume the position of Chair.
Councillor Garrison explained that he was requesting the Committee to consider adding a clause to the recommendation that would require that any funds paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston arising from a lease agreement for the Memorial Centre or any other City facility be dedicated to the Memorial Centre.
A discussion took place relating to having all revenues generated by the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be earmarked for a reserve fund and dedicated to the operation of, capital repairs or the revitalization of the Memorial Centre. Ms Beach explained that there are no cost centres and that the revenues would go to arena cost and be used to run the Memorial Centre. She pointed out that the Memorial Centre is currently running at an annual deficit of $200,000 because it is a highly inefficient building with high capital costs. She stated that there would be no difficulty with accounting for the costs but there would not be a fund created specifically by doing something with Queen’s University.
Moved by Councillor Smith
Seconded by Bert Diamond
That Council extend an offer to Queen’s for the rental of ice time that can be scheduled without displacing community groups already using existing facilities which may include the offer of renting time available in all existing arena facilities and at the Memorial Centre until the construction of a new Multiplex facility and/or LVEC is completed
- and further -
That any funds that could be paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston as a result of a leasing agreement in regards to the use of the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be solely dedicated to either the operations of, capital repairs, to or revitalization of the Memorial Centre.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
(see following motion to amend)
Moved by Councillor Garrison
Seconded by Ken Cuthbertson
That any funds that could be paid by Queen’s University to the City of Kingston as a result of a leasing agreement in regards to the use of the Memorial Centre or other City facilities be solely dedicated to either the operations of, capital repairs, to or revitalization of the Memorial Centre.
CARRIED
Councillor Garrison resumed the position of Chair
OTHER BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
DATE OF NEXT MEETING / NEXT STEPS
It was discussed and agreed that the following items would be put on the next agenda for discussion:
Review and discussion of braining storming issues as distributed at the meeting of March 28th in order to achieve a vision as a committee.
Review and discuss the Saint Lawrence Valley Society of Architects Memorial Centre Design Charette with a view to exploring cost saving measures.
Ms Brenda Draper was requested to consult with the Agricultural Society and to make a statement to the Committee on where they would fit into the Memorial Centre vision. The Committee was reminded that there is also a legal agreement that must be dealt with. Moved by Glen Barnes
Seconded by Graham Lodge
THAT staff be requested to provide a plan outlining next steps to be discussed at their meeting scheduled on Tuesday, April 25th, 2006.
CARRIED
·The next meeting of the Memorial Centre Revitalization Advisory Committee will be held Tuesday, 11th April, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Front Lounge, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Meers
Seconded by Brenda Draper
That we so adjourn at 9:20 p.m.
CARRIED