| What does the project include? |
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The Community Hub project is an exciting new initiative which will create a place for residents to come together as a community. The first phase of the project will involve the renovation and expansion of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre and allow for expanded recreation programming. The following elements are included in the scope of work:
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Does the Infrastructure Canada announcement mean the project is confirmed and moving forward? |
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The funding from Infrastructure Canada is a key part of the funding plan for the project, but a detailed project plan, or Business Case, will need to be developed and presented to Loyalist Township Council prior to proceeding to the construction phase of the project. A Validation Report outlining the costs and timelines associated with construction will be developed together with a financial plan which will detail the financial implications and present funding strategies to cover the capital and operating costs of the facility. |
| What are the timelines for the project? |
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The Township has retained the services of MJMA (the architectural firm who completed the original feasibility study for the community hub project) and is currently in the process of selecting a general contractor to join the project team. The Township, MJMA, and selected general contractor will form an Integrated Project Delivery team and will collaborate to develop a Validation Report for the project during the first half of 2023. The Validation Report, which will set a target cost and propose timelines for the project, will be presented to Council in the first half of 2023. Loyalist Township Council will then make the final decision on the project budget and funding. |
| What is the budget for the project and how will it be funded? |
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Detailed cost estimates will be developed during the validation phase of the project and presented to Council alongside a financial plan which will outline the capital and operating costs associated with the proposed facility in the summer of 2023. In addition to the $16.5 million in Federal funding received from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund, costs associated with the community hub project will be covered through a combination of:
The Township will also continue to seek additional grant opportunities to support the project, with several applications submitted and currently under review. |
| What is an Integrated Project Delivery Method and why is it being used? |
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Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is an approach which encourages collaboration between the project owner, the lead designer, and the general contractor. The parties enter into a single multi-party contract and work together to deliver the project goals in a cost-effective and timely manner, while sharing the risks. Involving the contractor during the design phase of the process will provide more accurate cost estimates and work plans and reduce the risk of unforeseen problems during construction. Renovating and expanding existing facilities such as the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre is complex. This, combined with the need to resume aquatic programming as efficiently as possible, make this project an ideal candidate for IPD. By working collaboratively with the designer and general contractor, the Township can better manage the risks associated with the project and deliver the project in a cost and time effective manner. |
| Can I provide input on the new facility? (2023) |
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Yes! You can provide feedback until January 27. The survey closed on January 28, 2023. The Township, in partnership with MJMA, is carrying out a robust public engagement program beginning in January 2023. Two drop-in public information sessions were held at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre on January 16, 2023. A survey was available online from January 3 to January 27. Paper copies of the survey and the project boards were available at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre until January 27. The engagement program is for user groups, community groups, and the general public to help to create the best facility possible by sharing how they will use the space and what stops them using the current recreation centre. The project team is interested in any factors that will lead to a successful project that encourages community gathering, inclusivity, fun, health and well-being, and is accessible to all ages and abilities. |
| What is the best way for me to stay informed on the status of this project? |
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Regular updates and information will be posted on the project pages of our website and social media channels. Individuals may also sign up to receive updates via email. |
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