If we wait to build the Fisher Field clubhouse, the province might help pay for it.
During the corporate and community services standing committee meeting on Monday night, councillors discussed a recent update on funding for the Fisher Fields clubhouse project. According to Dean Collver, director of parks, recreation and culture, the town received word last week that there would be a delay on a decision for provincial and federal funding for the project.
“Just to be really, really clear on what we’re voting on. We have the $911,000 sitting allocated in our budget for this project,” said Coun. Mariane McLeod. “If we begin building tomorrow, we lose all hope of receiving money from the provincial and federal governments for having a bigger, (more) beautiful (clubhouse)?”
“Yes. We’re counting on that money as co-funding of a larger envelope agreement,” responded Collver.
“So if we wait, there’s a chance we’re going to get this extra money. If we build, there’s not much chance we’re going to get this extra money?” clarified McLeod.
“Yes,” said Collver.
The initial estimated budget for the project is $911,980. To make up the funding, development charges would account for $560,918, the reserve fund would account for $270,072 and a donation from Collingwood United Soccer Club would total $80,990.
In November, the town submitted an application for Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding for the project. If approved for the funding, the costs would be shared 40 per cent federally, 33.33 per cent provincially and 26.67 per cent municipally.
“At the time, we were under the impression that a decision would be made in late January or early February,” said Collver. “On Monday or Tuesday of last week, we were told that timeline has shifted and now provincial approval is expected in the late spring or early summer.”
Collver said a new month or date has not been provided by the province yet. He said the delay is due to a larger-than-expected influx of applications for the funding from numerous municipalities.
“It puts a shift in our timeline,” he said.
The Fisher Fields clubhouse project is planned in two phases.
Phase one will use the existing municipal funding. For 2019, council approved $250,000 to initiate the project.
The first phase would consist of four gender-neutral washrooms (including one accessible washroom), two change rooms, a small referee’s room and the expense of all servicing, current and future.
Phase two would be contingent on a successful ICIP funding application.
The second phase would include five additional gender-neutral washrooms (including a second accessible washroom), two larger change rooms, storage space with exterior accesses, a community room with a capacity for up to 60 people and related storage, a servery kitchen for the community room and kitchen storage space, a small multi-functional office space and HVAC.
“This vote is that we wait until we know (about the provincial and federal funding) at least one way or the other,” said McLeod.
The committee voted to continue supporting the town pursuing the ICIP funding for the project and waiting for the result of the funding application.
The decision will need to be ratified at the next meeting of council.
