The City of North Battleford has passed two bylaws clearing the way for new 94-unit seniors' apartments and condos on the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre site.
But the decision to authorize the sale of the land, as well as the rezoning to accommodate the 94-unit development proposed by Caleb Group of Saskatoon, did not come without fireworks from the Battlefords Heritage Society. Members of that group voiced vocal opposition to demolishing the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre to make way for the seniors' residences.
The Heritage Society lobbyied in the past few weeks to save the 47-year-old structure, which is slated to be demolished after the new Co-op Battlefords Aquatic Centre opens later this summer.
In his presentation during the public hearing on the bylaws, Heritage Society president Richard Hiebert made his case to the councillors against building the seniors' development at the proposed location.
Hiebert voiced staunch opposition to the idea of using the land for any purpose other than recreation and sports.
He saidthe proposed seniors' development would "permanently alter the character of Centennial Park," due to vehicles coming and going into the parking lot. He also questioned the 18th Avenue location, calling it unsuitable citing the busy activities and noise from the nearby North Battleford Comprehensive High School and other nearby facilities.
He also cited the historic value of the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre building itself, noting its Quonset-style architecture and brick facade. Hiebert also pointed out the building did not need to be 100 years old to be considered a historic structure.
Hiebert proposed the seniors' development be built elsewhere and that the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre be turned over to those who might turn it into a recreation and activities centre for seniors in the community.
"A seniors' centre would be a great fit for the park," said Hiebert.
Hiebert also cited support from individuals and seniors in the community for the proposals. He also noted the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre building was still structurally sound and told council he didn't believe it would cost millions of dollars to renovate it.
However, his arguments clearly made no impact at council. Hiebert's calls to save the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre were a non-issue during the deliberations on the bylaws.
The only qualms expressed were by Coun. Trent Houk, who questioned the terms of the memorandum of understanding that had been approved by council at a previous meeting.
Houk said he felt the city wasn't getting a benefit in the deal by having to assume the costs of demolition, as well as reconstruction costs for moving the five tennis courts out of the way of the proposed development.
Anticipated reconstruction costs for the tennis courts are estimated at $100,000 per court. Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson indicated only three tennis courts would need to be reconstructed elsewhere, due to declining participation in the sport.
While Houk did not like the terms, he still said he supported the proposed development and ended up voting in favor of the two bylaws, both of which passed easily in second and third reading.
One of the bylaws authorized the sale of the land. The other amended the zoning map from I Institutional to R4 Residential in that location.
After the meeting, Hiebert said he was "not surprised" by council's decision.
"The city doesn't want that building to exist," said Hiebert. "I think it was some kind of a conflict with the CUPlex. They want everybody to go over there, The fact is many seniors don't want to go over there. They would like a place like their own activity centre and this would be the perfect opportunity."
