The City of Yorkton is about to embark on a process to determine the best course to replace the Kinsmen Arena, which is coming to the end of its expected lifespan.
“The Kinsmen Arena is nearing the end of the anticipated 10-year lifespan and direction is required on its future,” said Paul Keys, with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council on Sept. 17.
Keys explained that, “In 2009 an assessment of the Kinsmen Arena was completed that identified an approximate lifespan of 10 years remaining for that facility. As a result, Council authorized a conceptual plan be undertaken for a possible future replacement.”
As a result, “In 2010, Administration engaged Stantec Architecture to develop a high-level conceptual plan, through community engagement, along with an estimated capital cost.”
The rough cost number is currently being carried in the City’s long-term financial planning and has been adjusted to accommodate inflation, said Keys.
Previous Councils also approved various capital projects to ensure that the facility would remain viable over the next ten years until a decision on its replacement was made, he added.
“Previous Councils also engaged aodbt Architecture to provide a conceptual plan for Gallagher Centre dressing room improvements. This work included a basic structural analysis of the Gallagher Centre to understand what improvements and
additions would be structurally feasible. Both the aodbt and Stantec plans remain valid and would be a good starting point to review options for replacement of the Kinsmen Arena,” continued Keys.
A consultant could be engaged to provide information on the following:
• Establish feasibility on the location of a replacement Kinsmen Arena either on the existing site or at the Gallagher Centre and provide one high-level concept for each location.
• Possibilities and high-level budget for the addition of an outdoor component to the Gallagher Centre Water Park.
• Sound Baffling options and costs for Water Park.
• Options and costs for improving existing Water Park de-humidification system (currently part of 2018 budget).
• Costs for ice covering (flooring) and related storage for hosting concerts and increasing revenue potential.
• Improving sound in the Nexera Flexihall, including additional sound baffling along with related costs.
• Possibility and costs for adding curtains in the Nexera Flexihall to divide it into three cells.
• Evaluate the existing ice plant and determine options and costs to ensure it remains safe and viable into the future.
“This work should be considered the development of a Master Plan for the Gallagher Centre and not a request to move forward with construction. The results would be brought back for Council consideration and possible inclusion in future capital budgets, if Council so wished,” said Keys.
The information was presented to Council “in order to begin the planning process for the replacement of the Kinsmen Arena as well as to establish other priorities at the Gallagher Centre as significant time and work is required before Council should consider their options. Appropriate analysis and planning is required to ensure that all relevant information has been gathered so that Council can make an informed decision about how to proceed with any developments, improvements or construction,” said Keys.
“As preliminary design work has been completed at the Gallagher Centre, Administration believes it would be wise to engage aodbt Architecture to continue their work and provide options for the Kinsmen Arena and any improvements and/or additions to the Gallagher Centre.”
Councillor Mitch Hippsley questioned whether it might be advantageous to seek a new consultant to provide “a fresh set of eyes?”
Keys said the current firm has already done some work, so they know the basics which “might save us a fair bit of money.”
Coun. Ken Chyz said he looks at recreational facilities as key assets for the City as the create spin-off economic activity.
In looking at replacing the Kinsmen Arena Chyz said “it makes a lot more sense at the Gallagher Centre and it is way more convenient if the rinks are close together.”
Chyz also wanted to know when the current levy for the existing Gallagher Centre would end.
City Manager Lonnie Kaal said the first of two loans would come off the books in 2020, and the second in 2021.
Council was unanimous is authorizing Administration to access $50,000.00 from the Gallagher Centre Reserve Account to engage aodbt Architecture to provide Council with options for replacing the Kinsmen Arena on the existing site or at the Gallagher Centre as part of a Gallagher Centre Master Plan that will provide recommendations for future improvements.
