Study could start Tuesday

Study into replacement of Memorial Centre due for May 18 completion if approved

City council will vote a final time on Monday on a plan to hire a Toronto consultant to study whether Peterborough needs a new arena to replace the Memorial Centre.

Sierra Planning and Management is expected to get the job.

The idea is to produce a study that looks at population trends and also the latest trends in sports and entertainment to determine whether the city should build a new OHL arena.

On Dec. 4, councillors gave preliminary approval to hire Sierra at a cost of $157,800.

If it’s determined that Peterborough could use a new Ontario Hockey League facility sooner than later, Sierra would be asked to begin scoping out potential sites in the central area.

The city’s request for proposals document states that potential locations should include the current public works yard on Townsend St. (which is about to move to a new location on Rye St.).

Other city-owned properties would be considered too, such as the city’s community services office building on Wolfe St. and the parking lot across the street.

The 61-year-old Memorial Centre was last renovated in 2003; at that time, there were additions such as private box suites, a restaurant and new seats.

That renovation, which cost about $13.3 million, won’t be paid off for another six years.

But if the Memorial Centre needs to be replaced, city staff members have told councillors they should start planning and saving money now.

If council ratifies its plan to hire the firm on Monday, Sierra will be expected to start work on Tuesday and be done by May 18.

Livestreaming of the meeting will be available on The Examiner’s website Monday night. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.