Parks, recreation, culture projects seek funding through Capital Improvement Program

Construction of a new $30-million twin rink facility, a new community building for Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and a Bark Park in Legacy Ridge are just a few projects proposed for funding in the next Capital Improvement Program.

On Monday, Lethbridge City Council members, meeting as Finance Committee, learned about 15 Parks department and Recreation and Culture projects in preparation for funding deliberations over the upcoming 2018-2027 CIP.

It was the second of four presentations scheduled for community projects. The 15 projects, if all approved, would cost more than $66.5 million combined.

Council members already know there will be some tough decisions to be made, as there is limited funding in the pot.

That’s why they requested more information on six ongoing projects to determine where money was spent in the first phases.

Finance Committee took a break to head in-camera after questions arose over how previously approved funding has been spent on Legacy Regional Park, Spitz Stadium and the Yates enhancement.

They also requested more information on the arena replacement, as well as Parks Asset Management and Pathway System Connections and Extensions.

City administration is to compile the details and report back at a future Finance Committee meeting.

Approximately $61 million in funding is available over the next 10 years, through provincial and federal grants and the City's Pay-As-You-Go.

There is some question whether there will be provincial funding available similar to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, which is expected to finish in 2021.

City officials remain hopeful the government will either reinstate the MSI or replace it, but nothing is yet confirmed. For now, council will have to work within a limited budget.

The following projects were presented on Monday:

• Legacy Regional Park: additional amenities including a spray park, children’s discovery playground, group picnic shelter, ornamental garden and more roads/parking ($6.6 million);

• University Drive Median Trees: concrete medians on north University Drive be removed and replaced with trees/landscaping ($1.6 million);

• River Valley Protective Fencing: define park boundary with fencing to help prevent damage caused by vehicles and ATVs accessing Alexander Wilderness Park and Six Mile Coulee ($400,000);

• Fairmont Multi-Use Sports Court: lack of recreational opportunities prompted area residents to request a multi-function sport court area in Fairmont Gardens Park ($425,000);

• Bark Park: A 3.5-hectare site in southwest corner of Legacy Ridge subdivision to feature amenities to enhance play, training and socializing for dogs and people ($600,000);

• Parks Asset Management: ongoing lifecycle replacement of parks infrastructure ($65,000 per year);

• Pathway System Connections and Extensions ($500,000 per year);

• New School Site Development: In anticipation the Province of Alberta may announce two new schools to be constructed within the next four years — a southeast elementary school for School District 51 and a west elementary school for Holy Spirit ($3.4 million);

• School Gymnasium Upsize: Along with site development of two new schools, to increase the size of the two gymnasiums to satisfy Joint Use Agreement for community use ($1.7 million);

• Multi-Purpose All Weather Fields: To upgrade two fields at the North Lethbridge Sports Park with artificial all weather turf ($5 million);

• Spitz Stadium Grandstand Phase 2: to accommodate upper level accessible seating, improved concession, add an elevator, new press and announcer booth ($2.3 million);

• Yates Enhancement: construction of lobby expansion and second floor, Sterndale Bennett lobby and second floor, dressing room and second floor addition at the rear ($9.8 million)

• Recreation and Culture Master Plan Update ($350,000);

• Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Programming and Community Facility: design and construct a new multi-purpose facility to provide public/private event and meeting space and improved exhibits outside the Garden ($2.75 million); and

• Arena Replacement: design and construct of a new twin ice arena and demolition of the Civic Ice Centre ($30.4 million);

Operating costs are estimated to increase for the following projects, if approved: Legacy Regional Park ($124,000); University Drive Median Trees ($11,000); River Valley Protective Fencing ($5,000); Fairmont MultiUse Sports Court ($3,000); Bark Park ($45,000); Pathway System Connections and Extensions ($15,000); New School Site Development ($130,000); Multi-Purpose All Weather Fields ($146,000); Yates Enhancement ($120,000); Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Programming and Community Facility ($80,000); and Arena Replacement ($530,000).

There are two more dates for community project presentations, March 20 and April 3. A total of 44 projects will be presented over all four dates.

From April 5 to May 1, there will be an online community engagement process and informational storyboards located within the community. An open house is also scheduled for April 26, followed by a public meeting on May 1.

Deliberations for the 2018-2027 CIP will run May 15-19, with CIP approval on June 5.

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