The Russell Sports Dome is officially coming!
Russell Township council gave unanimous approval for municipal staff to proceed in completion of 100 per cent of the design of the sports dome project and to proceed to tender as per a set timetable.
Time was of the essence for the Feb. 21 decision as any considerable change to the concept could have impacted both costs and deadlines. Apart from a few tweaks, all council members seemed satisfied, yet relieved, with the whole project.
“The last time we had a major recreational infrastructure project was the arena in 1962, 55 years ago,” said Mayor Pierre Leroux. “I think we’re due, we’ve done our homework and staff has done an amazing job. I think it’s a testament to the devotion and to the passion staff have for the project.”
Last November, a similar presentation was made to council to present the project at 60 per cent completion. Following directions given back then, the staff then proceeded to work among the different departments and were able to present a 90 per cent design and preliminary business plan in a Power-Point presentation during the Monday night meeting.
The 330-foot-by-180-foot-by-54-foot dome model was chosen after a long period of research and, according to staff, represents the best quality cost ratio for the township.
The sports complex will include a stateof-the-art gymnasium, a viewing area from the restaurant so the public can watch from outside the dome area, a three-lane track for walking and running, top-of-the line turf and specialty floorings, a skylight to increase the amount of natural light and save energy, as well as security surveillance features. Many of the decisions made were based on comparison with similar sports domes and facilities, with the same population base.
As for proposed budget, conservative estimates were presented, comparable to the amounts presented at the 60 per cent completion stage. As it was mentioned, the amount is a worst-case scenario and allows an extra 10 per cent in the budget for contingencies. Out of the approximate $5 million price tag presented, many other factors, such as the contractor chosen, potential additional surplus, grants and fundraising could always make the costs fluctuate.
On top of the fundraising, financing will come from different sources like development charges, transfers, reserves available, as well as infrastructure funds. Efforts are being made to try to come up with a longterm capital plan with minimum debt.
“I’ve been very critical of this project for many months and for many different reasons” said Coun. Jamie Laurin. “I look at this tonight, I’m feeling more comfortable. One reason is that we are also looking at our future facility requirements in our development charges and that we are going to move in that direction.”
Among other plans, staff has not failed to consider growth and aging facilities on top of the planning and construction of a recreation complex by 2023.
“The other thing I am looking at is for municipal contribution, what are the taxpayers actually paying,” Coun. Laurin said. “From taxation, we are talking $1 million. However, we’ve been told tonight that this number can be reduced to almost $700,000, if there are additional fundraising and grants that come in, and the contingency doesn’t get completely used. Let’s be conservative and say that out of the infrastructure fund that we have build back in 2009, we can pay off this facility completely in two to three years with zero debt to it. Looking at this proposal, this makes sense for the community, I’m actually saying that I’m in favor of this project and I want this to move forward.”
Timetable
Farley Manufacturing Inc. is now the official dome supplier and shall perform work under the supervision of the successful general contractor. This general contractor will be responsible for all civil works prior to the construction of the dome, including the building and all of its requirements and all site work associated with the construction of the facility.
By mid-March, the township will present the tender to the qualified general contractors as selected by the township, who will submit a tender package for the construction of the sports facility. Following the construction tender closing on April 12, the award of contract by council should be made by April 17.
As for now, the construction should start on May 15 with an estimated timetable of December 1 for the dome to be in operation, according to the schedule of the contractor.