Cathy Dobson
BIG PLANS FOR CLEARWATER ARENA
More than 30 years after the second ice pad at Clearwater Arena opened, city council is considering major upgrades to the Wellington Street building.
Millions of dollars are already being spent on a new library for the second floor and a new transit terminal immediately south of the front entrance.
But the aging facility needs significant reinvestment and council is paying consultants Tillman Ruth Robinson $180,000 to look at the possibilities and come up with a detailed plan.
On Monday, principle architect McMichael Ruth presented a draft proposal to council that focuses on better accessibility, improved change rooms, wider corridors and a more welcoming atmosphere.
“Part of the problem right now is it feels like it’s in a sea of parking,” Ruth said. He showed council a series of drawings and suggested tearing down several existing buildings used by city parks in the back parking lot and consolidating them in a new building closer to Wellington.
The consultants are also proposing a busier front entrance for drop-offs that would then channel cars to the parking lot beside and behind the arena. The rear doors that are heavily used now, are proposed to be emergency exits only.
New walkways on the front and side of the arena would connect it to adjacent ball diamonds and parkland, Ruth said.
The idea is to create a new community hub that would be ideal for future expansion to the east, and possibly another ice pad. New washrooms, bigger change rooms, automatic front doors and other accessible features would update the building and make it more welcoming, he said.
Numerous councillors were enthusiastic about the plan, including Coun. Adam Kilner who called it an exciting proposal.
“It’s just really well thought-out. I really like this,” said Coun. Anne Marie Gillis, noting new safety features for dropping kids off and better parking facilities.
The consultants are going to talk to more user groups, including Sarnia Minor Hockey and the Sports Hall of Fame committee, before starting engineering work and cost estimates.
It’s anticipated more details will be presented to council in the spring.
EXTENTION REAFFIRMED FOR PUBLIC INPUT TO DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BYLAW
On Monday, city staff urged city council to reconsider a decision approved in November to extend public consultation into the new development charges bylaw, but council held firm.
The public will have until March 31 to make comment. At Mayor Mike Bradley’s request, a staff report is coming about the impact of extending the deadline.
At issue is staff’s concern that the current development charges bylaw expires Dec. 31. Without a new bylaw in place, the city will be without a mechanism to collect development charges.
Development charges are monies collected to help pay for infrastructure such as new roads.
FARM NEEDS TO BE SPRUCED UP SAYS GILLIS
Coun. Anne Marie Gillis said she doesn’t want to be critical of the Seaway Kiwanis Club that is responsible for maintaining the Children’s Animal Farm, but it’s looking “rather tired.”
Gillis said recent Christmas events at the animal farm were great but she’s concerned about the condition of the facility.
The farm is a favourite destination for thousands of visitors to Canatara Park and it is home to a collection of animals including ponies, llamas, pigs, rabbits, a cow and more.
Staff and Mayor Mike Bradley suggested improvements at the Animal Farm could be included in an upcoming Canatara Park master plan.
FEES FOR SERVICE LARGELY UNCHANGED FROM 2023
Fees for service that impact everything from how much it costs to rent a picnic space in Canatara Park, to Strangway memberships, ice rentals, and the cost of commercial brush drop offs, were approved for 2024.
Of note, an hourly rate of $112 to rent the Suncor Agora stage in Centennial Park had been cancelled by staff in favour of a daily rate of $952. However, at Mayor Mike Bradley’s request and with support of Coun. Anne Marie Gillis, the hourly rate was reinstated.
Many of the 2024 Proposed Fees for Services have been generally increased by 6.26 percent based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and remain unchanged from 2023.
Approximately 7.7% of the City’s total annual operating expenditures are covered by user fees.
FREE ONE-YEAR BUS PASSES FOR REFUGEES
City staff want to reduce free bus passes for qualified refugees from one year to six months but council won’t let them do it.
A one-year pass is a good policy, said Coun. Terry Burrell. “I think we’re ahead of the curve on this one.”
Seniors, the working poor and anyone with disabilities should be given the same perk, said Coun. Bill Dennis.
We should show them the same generosity that we are showing to refugees, he said. “Seniors living here their whole lives and paid taxes are struggling…and we really shouldn’t be treating people different because of where they came from.”
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of keeping one-year bus passes for refugees. They also asked staff to “explore” the possibility of extending the same to seniors, working poor and disabled people.
Currently veterans and support people receive free bus passes and seniors get small discounts. Additionally, bus passes at a discounted price are sold for use by clients at the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
The regular price for a monthly bus pass in 2024 will be $85.