Report to/Rapport au :

 

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee

Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux

 

and Council / et au Conseil

 

18 September 2003 / le 18 septembre 2003

 

Submitted by/Soumis par : Jocelyne St Jean, General Manager/Directrice générale,

People Services/Services aux citoyens 

 

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Colleen Hendrick, Director, Innovation, Development and Partnerships /Directrice,  Innovation, développement et partenariats

724-4122 ext.24366 colleen.hendrick@ottawa.ca

 

 

Ref N°: ACS2003-PEO-IDP-0022

 

 

SUBJECT:

fisher heights child care and recreation space

 

 

OBJET :

CENTRE D’ENFANCE ET ESPACE RÉCRÉATIF FISHER HEIGHTS

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee recommend Council approve :

 

1.         The fit-up of leased 2nd floor space at the Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre for the Fisher Heights Child Care and recreation space.

 

2.         A project to design and construct a new Community Building in Fisher Heights Park.

 

3.         Capital funding for these capital projects as per the existing source of funds identified within the report. 

 

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux et le Conseil approuvent :

 

1.         L’aménagement de l’espace loué au 2e étage du Centre de soins de longue durée Villa Marconi pour la garderie et espace récréatif Fisher Heights.

 

2.         Un projet visant à concevoir et à construire un nouvel édifice communautaire au parc Fisher Heights.

 

3.         Le financement des immobilisations pour ces projets d’immobilisations selon la provenance des fonds déterminée dans le rapport.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Fisher Heights community is located in the former City of Nepean and is bound by Baseline Road to the north, Merivale Road to the west, Fisher Avenue to the east and by Meadowlands Drive to the south.  Fisher Heights is a mixed residential community, with approximately half of all households residing in low-rise single and semi-detached dwellings.  The total population in 2001 was 6,345, an increase of 4.8% from 1996.  Children under the age of 15 make up 1.8% of the Fisher Heights population, which is representative of the City average.  There is a slightly greater percentage of one-parent families in the Fisher Heights community than in the City on average (16.9% vs. 15.9%).  Largely developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the community is now undergoing a general renewal, with younger families moving in and “empty nesters” moving out.

 

While the community boasts a number of neighbourhood level parks offering a range of outdoor recreational facilities, the only municipally operated indoor community facilities in Fisher Heights are located in leased space at the Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre on Baseline Road:  the Fisher Heights Child Care Centre, and the Fisher Heights Community Centre.  The former is being temporarily accommodated in a banquet hall, while the latter is located in two rooms over two floors at Villa Marconi.  Other public indoor facilities are located just south of the Fisher Heights community:  a fieldhouse in Inverness Park, and a small community building in General Burns Park. 

 

The 1995 City of Nepean Recreation Facility Master Plan identified a shortage of community space in the northeast section of Nepean, an area that includes Fisher Heights.  The Master Plan further recognized that the sale of the Fisher Heights Public School had reduced access to indoor recreational space and recommended that new community space be developed in the northeast area of the former Nepean.  The Master Plan identified a need for smaller community-based facilities in established communities like Fisher Heights, preferably facilities within easy walking distance of residents.

 

The recently completed 2003 People Services DRAFT Facility Study: identified strong support for decentralized community facilities in established urban areas, due to the desire of residents to walk to facilities.  The 2003 DRAFT Facility Study identified a shortage of multi-purpose community space in all districts of the City and referenced the need for new community space to replace older facilities and to respond to growth.  The DRAFT study stated:  “Ideally, this new space should be provided to support other more specialized facilities and to contribute to the People Services Department’s integration and capacity building initiatives”.

 

Fisher Heights Child Care Centre:

 

The Fisher Heights Child Care Centre is a City of Ottawa managed childcare program currently operating out of short-term leased space on the ground floor of the Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre at 1026 Baseline Road.  The Fisher Heights childcare program, which has been in operation since 1975, is the largest childcare program run by the City, supporting eighty (80) school-age children.

 

Prior to its move to Villa Marconi in August 2002, the childcare centre had been leasing space at the Ottawa Islamic School (formerly known as Fisher Heights Public School), located at 10 Coral Avenue, adjacent to Fisher Heights Park.  However, in September 2001 the Islamic School informed the City that they would not be renewing the lease and that the childcare centre was required to vacate the premises by September 1st, 2002. 

 

The 2003 People Services DRAFT Facility Study: Market and Needs Assessment concluded that all municipal childcare facilities were at capacity and that, with future growth, new childcare facilities will be needed within the City’s core.  As a school-aged program, the future of Fisher Heights Child Care Centre is dependant on the continued existence and growth of the area’s schools.  It is understood from discussions with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board staff that there are no current OCDSB plans to close any of the feeder schools to the childcare centre.  It is more likely that the enrollment of these schools will grow as they absorb the students of inner city schools that may be recommended for closure.

 

The current 2-year childcare centre lease with Villa Marconi will expire at the end of August 2004.  Given all indications that the future need for the Fisher Heights Child Care Centre will remain strong, it is critical that long term, permanent accommodations be secured for the Child Care Centre prior to September 2004.

 

Fisher Heights Community Centre:

 

With the sale of the Fisher Heights Public School to the Ottawa Islamic School in 1989, the Fisher Heights and Area Community Association (FHACA) lost access to its traditional community program space.  The 1995 City of Nepean Recreation Facility Master Plan acknowledged the need for community space to serve the Fisher Heights area.  In 1996, the former City of Nepean leased, on a short-term basis, a small (900 sq. ft.) second floor community room at Villa Marconi, to be programmed by the FHACA.  This room proved to be inadequate and the community association, the City of Nepean and Villa Marconi spent considerable time and effort over the following several years to try to come to a long-term solution to the indoor recreation facility needs of the Fisher Heights community. 

 

In March 1998, the Villa Marconi Feasibility Study proposed a long-term partnership between the City of Nepean, Villa Marconi and the FHACA to provide 2,000 sq. ft. of programming space and access to assembly halls at Villa Marconi by September 1998, in return for a $300,000

City (former Nepean) capital contribution toward required building improvements.   Over the next 15 months negotiations for the proposed partnership failed to produce an agreement.  In July 1999, the FHACA requested that the former City of Nepean abandon the Villa Marconi proposal and direct its capital contribution toward a stand-alone community building in Fisher Heights Park.  It was felt that a community park building would provide both indoor programs and serve the many outdoor activities in a park at the heart of the Fisher Heights community. 

 

In the fall of 1999, Villa Marconi submitted a new partnership proposal to the former City of Nepean and agreement was reached on a 20-year lease of 2,000 sq. ft. of community space, split between the first and second floors, for a $400,000 lump sum, up-front capital contribution by the City for building improvements.  The former Nepean Council approved the agreement over the objections of the FHACA, which expressed a lack of confidence in Villa Marconi’s ability to meet its commitments to the City and community.  Since the signing of the agreement, the FHACA has consistently expressed its concern over the lack of exclusive City use of the leased community space and over delays in Villa Marconi meeting its obligations on building improvements. 

 

It is important to note that the 20-year lease agreement included a termination clause that would allow the City to terminate the lease on the 5th, 10th and 15th year anniversary dates (2004, 2009 and 2014) and recoup the balance of the lease remaining.  The first 5-year anniversary date will be September 2004, at which time the balance of the lease will be $300,000.

 

The FHACA continues to support the development and fit-up of a new community building at Fisher Heights Park and up to $263,000 in Nepean Reserve Funds has been committed to this end. 

 

Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre:

 

With the pending termination of the Fisher Heights Child Care lease at the Ottawa Islamic School, RPAM’s Comprehensive Asset Management Division undertook an Asset Rationalization Review in November 2001. This review examined available spaces within the childcare centre’s defined school bus catchment area and recommended that People Services, in partnership with Real Estate Services, negotiate short to mid term lease options with the Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre. 

 

Subsequent discussions with Villa Marconi management established that there was mutual interest in negotiating a lease for second floor space (existing chapel area) at Villa Marconi for a City childcare program.  City and Villa Marconi staff identified childcare as potentially complementary to the existing community, seniors and long-term care programming at the facility. 

 

In February 2002, the City prepared concept layout plans for the second floor of Villa Marconi, in consultation with Villa Marconi staff and the Fisher Heights and Area Community Association.  It was agreed that all existing (community) and proposed (childcare) leased space should be consolidated on the 2nd floor to deliver integrated service and establish exclusive City control over the space.  Despite misgivings and its stated preference for a stand-alone community building, the Fisher Heights and Area Community Association agreed to work with the City to improve community space and program delivery at Villa Marconi through the childcare lease initiative.

 

In April 2002 and after prolonged negotiations, Real Estate Services proposed written lease terms to Villa Marconi for exclusive use of 8,000 sq. ft. of 2nd floor space.  However, during a May 2002 meeting with the Mayor and City staff, Villa Marconi withdrew its offer to lease second floor space, citing objections from the Italian community over the loss of the chapel area.  At the same meeting, Villa Marconi presented an alternate plan to the Mayor and staff -- Villa Marconi would construct a new ground floor childcare addition to their existing facility, which the City would lease on a long-term basis.  Capital construction would be funded through a Villa Marconi fundraising campaign and a $475,000 City capital contribution.  The Mayor requested that staff work out the details of such an arrangement with Villa Marconi management, including temporary accommodation for the childcare centre at Villa Marconi until the new addition could be completed.  The Mayor also requested that staff continue to pursue other permanent location options.

 

In June 2002, Villa Marconi prepared preliminary architectural plans and proposed lease terms for a two-storey addition to the east side of the facility, fronting Farlane Avenue.  A Committee of Adjustment hearing took place in August 2002 on Villa Marconi’s application for a minor variance to permit construction of the addition.  At the same time, the City reached a 2-year lease agreement with Villa Marconi for existing ground floor space (Banquet Hall) to temporarily accommodate the childcare centre.  Portable partitions and other improvements were completed in time for the childcare centre to open on August 29th, and the centre is presently operating with high staff and user satisfaction, albeit in a temporary arrangement.  Provincial Ministry officials have issued a childcare operating license for the centre, with the proviso that a permanent location be occupied no later than September 1st, 2004.

 

In September 2002, the Committee of Adjustment denied Villa Marconi’s application for the Minor Variance to construct the ground floor childcare addition, citing the objections of the community and its impact on adjacent residences.  It was determined by City staff that re-submission of a revised minor variance application or an appeal of the decision to the OMB by Villa Marconi would seriously delay the project and jeopardize the critical completion date of September 1st, 2004.  As a result, City staff began to prepare other options for a permanent home for the Fisher Heights Child Care Centre. 

 

In keeping with the Mayor’s request to explore other permanent accommodation options, City staff requested that Villa Marconi submit a written proposal to the City for the long-term accommodation of the Fisher Heights Childcare Centre, including all financial terms and a firm project timeline.  At the end of November 2002, Villa Marconi confirmed verbally that the ground floor addition was no longer an option due to a lack of funding.  On December 6th, 2002, Villa Marconi’s Board of Directors re-submitted to the City, in writing, the second floor lease proposal that it had previously rejected in May 2002.  The terms and conditions of this draft lease, which would leave the former City of Nepean 20-year community space lease in place, form the basis of Property Option 1.

 

Over the past several months, City staff and Villa Marconi have negotiated the terms and conditions of an alternate lease agreement for the permanent relocation of the Fisher Heights Childcare and Recreation Centre to the second floor of the Villa Marconi Centre.  Such an agreement would see Villa Marconi make a capital contribution to the development of a community building in Fisher Heights Park and terminate the former City of Nepean 20-year community space lease.  Villa Marconi has signed an Offer to Lease from the City that reflect these terms and conditions, which forms the basis of Property Option 3.

 

Property Options:

 

There is a critical need to find a permanent home for the Fisher Heights Child Care Centre before September 2004.  Staff has identified three (3) possible property options for the permanent location of the Fisher Heights Child Care and recreation space.  While other options were considered, such as the leasing of commercial space, only the following property options were deemed capable of meeting the program requirements for permanent childcare and recreation/community space in Fisher Heights:

1.   Long-term Lease of 2nd Floor Space at Villa Marconi;

2.   Development of a New Combined Child Care and Community Centre in Fisher Heights Park;

3.   Long-term Lease of 2nd Floor Space at Villa Marconi and Development of a New Community Building in Fisher Heights Park;

 

Comprehensive Asset Management, in consultation with Design and Construction, Real Estate Services and People Services, has undertaken a 20-year Lifespan Cost Analysis of each of the above property options.  The following is a description of the three options:

 

Option 1:  Long-term Lease of Second Floor Space at Villa Marconi

 

This option is similar to the preliminary lease agreement-in-principle arrived at in April 2002 with Villa Marconi, in which the City would lease approximately 6,000 sq. ft. (primarily the existing chapel area) on the second floor of Villa Marconi for the childcare centre.   The existing 2,000 sq. ft. of leased community space, currently located on the first and second floors would be consolidated on the second floor, creating a total City-leased area of 8,000 sq. ft. (subject to survey measurement) to enable integrated programming and facility control.

 

The intent would be for the City and Villa Marconi to enter into a lease agreement in which the City would undertake the design and fit-up of the leased space to Villa Marconi’s and the Province’s satisfaction and the City would lease the fit-up space for a five year period, with a minimum of two 5-year options for renewal. 

 

Advantages:

·        Projected 20-year lifespan cost of  $1,135,408 is the lowest of the 3 options;

·        Projected annual building maintenance and operating cost of $28,796 is the lowest of the 3 options;

·        One-time capital cost of  $460,000 is the lowest of the 3 options;

·        Preliminary concept plans have already been completed for the fit-up of the second floor space at Villa Marconi.  Detailed design could commence within weeks of approval, and the leased space could be occupied by spring of 2003. 

·        Existing community space lease with Villa Marconi would be maintained, with amendments to reflect consolidation on the second floor.

·        City would establish exclusive control of the lease space, alleviating the FHACA’s concern over availability of community space.

 

Disadvantages:

·        $460,000 capital investment in a non-City asset.  Investment is lost at end of the lease;

·        Permanent outdoor play area will have to be developed and maintained;

·        Less flexibility to the City in terms of future growth or expansion of childcare needs;

·        FHACA does not support this option unless it is accompanied by the development of a new community building in Fisher Heights Park.


 

Option 2:    Development of New Combined Child Care and Community Facility in Fisher Heights Park;

 

This option involves a City capitalized and managed construction project to deliver a new 9,000 sq. ft. combined childcare and community centre in Fisher Heights Park by September 2004.  The existing lease of community space at Villa Marconi would be terminated and community space would be integrated in the new municipal facility.  

 

A one-story facility is envisioned, in which the childcare and community programs would share some spaces, and both would be oriented to the park and outdoor programming.  Sufficient on-site (off-street) parking would be required, as well as the relocation of the existing winter ice rink and basketball key elsewhere in the park. 

 

Advantages:

·        Project is a capital investment in a City property asset;

·        Support from Fisher Heights and Area Community Association; Program integration will bring management efficiencies. 

·        Childcare supervisor can manage community space and offer personalized client service to the community and park; Fisher Heights Park is in the heart of the community, adjacent to the childcare centre’s former location (Ottawa Islamic School);

·        Childcare centre can take advantage of the existing outdoor recreational opportunities in Fisher Heights Park, eliminating the need to develop a separate play area;

·        Community building can support outdoor park programs, such as the winter ice rink, eliminating need for a seasonal trailer;

 

Disadvantages:

·        One-time capital cost of  $2,004,518 is the highest of the 3 options;

·        Projected 20-year lifespan cost of  $2,775,914 is the highest of the 3 options.

·        Loss of green space in the park.  Site plan approval required;

·        Need to relocate the existing winter ice rink and lighting;

·        Potential difficulty in recouping $300,000 balance of 20-year lease from Villa Marconi.

 

Option 3:  Long-term Lease of Second Floor Space at Villa Marconi and City Construction of New Community Building in Fisher Heights Park

 

This option combines the lease of 7,800 sq. ft. (subject to survey measurement) of second floor space at Villa Marconi for the permanent home of the Fisher Heights Childcare and Recreation Centre with the development of a new 2,500 sq. ft. community building in Fisher Heights Park.  Under the terms and conditions of the City’s Offer of Lease, signed by Villa Marconi, the former City of Nepean 20-year community space lease would be terminated, and Villa Marconi would make a $150,000 capital contribution to the development of the new community building in Fisher Heights Park.  The remaining $150,000 owing the City would be recouped through reduced gross rent costs over the first five-year term of the lease.

 

Villa Marconi will provide leasehold improvements to the second floor space in order to meet all City and Provincial requirements for the Fisher Heights Childcare and Recreation Centre.  Such improvements include the supply and installation of a base heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; ensure sufficient electric power/load panel and finish all “unfinished” spaces to minimum occupancy standards.   The City will be responsible to fit-up the leased space to its program requirements.

 

The new community building in Fisher Heights Park is envisioned as a one-story facility with a multipurpose meeting/program space, kitchenette, change room/circulation space, washrooms and storage space. The facility would serve park activities and other FHACA programs.  Sufficient on-site (off-street) parking would be required, as well as the relocation of the existing winter ice rink and basketball key elsewhere in the park. 

 

Advantages:

·        Offers the community a range of indoor program space opportunities, from medium-scale, integrated recreation/childcare program space to small-scale, community park oriented program space;

·        Fisher Heights Park community building is a capital investment in a City property asset;

·        Political and financial support from Fisher Heights and Area Community Association;

·        Fisher Heights Park is in the heart of the community and the park building will support outdoor programs, such as the winter ice rink, eliminating need for a seasonal trailer;

·        Termination of the City’s 20-year lease for community space with Villa Marconi and a $150,000 capital contribution from Villa Marconi toward the development of a community building in Fisher Heights Park;

·        Projected 20-year lifespan cost of  $2,083,632 is the second lowest of the 3 options.

 

Disadvantages:

·        One-time capital cost of  $1,023,000 (for both the lease fit-up and the new community building) is the second highest of the options;

·        $460,000 capital investment (@ Villa Marconi) in a non-City asset.  Investment is lost at end of the lease;

·        Outdoor play area will have to be developed and maintained at Villa Marconi;

·        Some loss of green space in the park.  Site plan approval required;

·        Need to relocate the existing winter ice rink and lighting.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

This report presents three property solution options for the Fisher Heights Child Care Centre and recreation space, together with advantages and disadvantages.  The following conclusions are presented on these options:

 

1.   From an asset rationalization perspective, Property Option 1 (Long-term 2nd Floor Lease at Villa Marconi) is the most cost effective for the City, given the projected low annual and 20-year lifespan costs to the Corporation.  The project could be initiated quickly and the Department’s mandate to integrate community services would be met.  However, given the FHACA’s relationship with Villa Marconi and its opposition to a long-term partnership with that facility, it is critical that the long-term lease option be complemented by the development of a community building in Fisher Heights Park (see Option 3). 

 

2.   Property Option 2 (Development of a New Combined Child Care and Community Centre in Fisher Heights Park), is not a cost effective option for the City, given the high capital and projected annual and 20-year lifespan costs to the Corporation.  While this option would serve the Department’s community service integration model, a 9,000 sq. ft. building would not be in scale with the community park and would involve a significant loss of green space.

 

3.   From a community service perspective, Property Option 3 (Long-term Lease of 2nd Floor Space at Villa Marconi and Development of New Community Building in Fisher Heights Park) is in the best interest of the Fisher Heights community and is recommended.  A long-term lease of renovated childcare space and complementary recreation space at Villa Marconi will provide security for parents and offer alternative program space for the community. A new community building centrally located in Fisher Heights Park, would serve the existing sportsfields, winter rink and children’s play areas in Fisher Heights Park, providing change and washroom facilities and offer community-based, small-scale indoor programs. 

 

In summary, the best interests of the Fisher Heights community can be met by implementing Property Option 3.  This option reflects the median capital, annual and 20-year lifespan costs to the City of the three options considered, while offering a wider range of indoor/outdoor program opportunities to the community.  The fit-up of leased space at Villa Marconi will fulfill the need for permanent accommodation for the childcare centre, while integrating recreation, health care and other program delivery.  The new park building will be located in the heart of the community, serving many outdoor activities and programs, and providing small scale, multi-purpose indoor community space. 

 

Recommendation 1:

Villa Marconi has signed an Offer to Lease prepared by Property Services Division of the Real Property Asset Management Branch.  The terms and conditions of the Offer to Lease reflect fair market lease rates and include a $150,000 capital contribution by Villa Marconi toward the development of a new community building in Fisher Heights Park, terminating the existing 20-year lease agreement with Villa Marconi at the end of the first 5-year term. The remaining $150,000 owing the City would be recouped through reduced gross rent costs over the first five-year term of the lease.  The City’s capital fit-up costs for the second floor lease area are estimated at $460,000.

 

Recommendation 2:

A City capital project to develop a new community building in Fisher Heights Park would involve a comprehensive planning process in consultation with the general public, the Fisher Heights Area Community Association and City staff.   The design of the new facility would strive to meet the recreation programming needs of the City and the FHACA.  A Site Plan Control Application would be required, with the attendant public notification and consultation process.  The objectives of the site plan would be to minimize loss of green space and impact on outdoor recreation, at the same time integrating the facility into the park landscape and complementing outdoor park programming.  Capital costs for the construction and fit-up of the new community building in Fisher Heights Park are estimated at $563,000.


 

Recommendation 3:

Funding for the implementation of recommendations 1 and 2 of this report will be drawn from existing sources, as outlined in the Financial Implications section.  No new capital funding is required.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

 

No environmental implications are foreseen under Option 1.  A long-term 2nd Floor Lease at Villa Marconi would involve interior renovations and a building permit would be required.  A small play area would be developed on Villa Marconi property.

 

Under Options 2 and 3, the development of a new Community Building in Fisher Heights Park, the City would be required to apply for Site Plan Control Approval.  Environmental impacts will be assessed and any required mitigation measures will be proposed and implemented through the site plan approval process.

 

 

CONSULTATION

 

City staff has met with the Fisher Heights Area Community Association on several occasions over the past 18 months to discuss the second floor lease option with Villa Marconi and to outline the option to develop a new community building in Fisher Heights Park.  Regular contact has been maintained with the FHACA to keep the association apprised of the on-going developments of the childcare relocation and its implications for recreation/community space.

 

A public meeting was held June 25th, 2002 with the parents of the childcare centre to update them on the relocation to temporary accommodations at Villa Marconi and to discuss permanent location options.  Representatives of the FHACA and Villa Marconi were present at this meeting. 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Capital:

Under recommended Property Option 3: Long Term Lease of 2nd Floor Space at Villa Marconi and Development of New Community Building in Fisher Heights Park, the total capital cost is $1,023,000 of which $150,000 will be funded by Villa Marconi, therefore funding of $ $873,000 will be required.  The table below indicates the sources of funding for this project;

 

Description    Approved Capital Project      Funds Available      This Request        Funds Remaining

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Option 3:       Child Care Capital 

    Grant Program 901226       $1,425,000          $400,000           $1,025,000

    Villa Fit-up Program

      Retro-fits 902155              $453,066            $60,000             $393,066

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Option 3:

New                    Nepean Reserve

Community        Fund 902089                           $263,000             $263,000                  $0

Building           

                           Minor Park

                           Improvements 900764              $542,240             $150,000                  $392,240

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                           $2,683,306          $873,000                  $1,810,306

 

 

Operating:

In addition to the capital cost implications under recommended Property Option 3, increased lease ($8,400) & operating costs ($39,800) create a budget pressure for 2004 of $48,200  This cost will be included in the 2004 Operating Budget by the Real Property & Asset Management Branch of Corporate Services.

 

 

DISPOSITION

 

Upon approval of the report recommendations by City Council, Property Services Division of the Real Property Asset Management, in partnership with IDP Branch, will finalize the long-term lease agreement for the childcare centre and recreation space with Villa Marconi.  IDP Branch, with the support of Community Services and RPAM staff, will ensure that the childcare centre and recreation space is programmed, designed and constructed in consultation with childcare parents, community services staff and the Ministry of Community and Social Services.  The Fisher Heights Childcare and Recreation Centre at Villa Marconi are expected to open in spring 2004.

 

Should City Council approve the report recommendations, IDP Branch of People Services, with the support of Community Services and RPAM Design & Construction, will seek the required planning approvals for the development of a new Community Building in Fisher Heights Park and ensure that the facility is programmed, designed and constructed in consultation with the community and within the established budget and required timeline.  The new community building in Fisher Heights Park is expected to be completed and open in the fall of 2004.

 

With the opening of the two new facilities in 2004, RPAM will assume operating costs estimated at $48,200 per annum.