A development to blow the roof off any all-weather facility!
Council did approve a feasibility study into converting Shell Place’s field and bleachers into an all-weather facility.
However, they also approve an amendment to the motion, exploring the feasibility of a similar facility downtown.
Shortly before Council’s discussion turned to Shell Place, councillor Krista Balsom requested an update on downtown revitalization.
Mayor and council learned their request for proposal for downtown revitalization, which includes formerly “arena lands“, stalled.
Therefore, once the debate on Shell Place began, Councillor Balsom proposed an amendment to the motion.
“I thought it was really important to take a look at all the options available to us as a municipality, when it comes to making sure we have the right-sized amenities and recreation and conference facilities in our region.”
Balsom admires our enviable facilities, but states a feasibility study with a broader look at the downtown could serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization.
Mayor Scott supported the motion and the amendment.
“We need to look at the downtown. This doesn’t say we’re spending a dollar on anything, except for the feasibility study but it’s going to give us some idea that we can then take to the public and say, ‘These are the options we have; what do you think?'”
The administration said the $100,000 price tag for the feasibility study is enough.
Debate
This surprised councillor Phil Meagher, who originally tabled the motion for a roof over the football field at Shell Place.
Similarly, councillor Keith McGrath opposed both the motion and the amendment.
He says Council may take things a little too far, as attention and money should go toward addressing water and sanitation issues in rural communities.
Councillor Mike Allen says the amendment councillor Balsom put forward with the original motion is worth a look.
“I’m always willing to look at different feasibilities, and if an idea comes forward that is the right approach that’s going to right-sized facilities and deliver a better product or service to our residents, then it’s certainly worth consideration.”
The results of the expanded feasibility study would come at a later date.
The motion and amendment carried by two separate margins of 8-2.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the mayor and council received a presentation on the Municipal Debt.
