Pelham community centre on time, on budget
Construction of Pelham’s new community centre and twin-pad arena is on time and on budget according to city staff.
The $36-million project has been underway since last year. The exterior of the building is set to be enclosed by the end of December, as planned.
Ward 2 Coun. Gary Accursi said in an email this week that the plan is to have the building enclosed so that work can continue regardless of the weather. Temporary heating has been established for this reason as well.
In addition, both ice rinks should be poured by the end of December. He said concrete for one of the rinks has been poured and the other should be poured by Christmas.
Mayor Dave Augustyn said a report presented during town council’s committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night indicated the project is now 98 per cent tendered and there are no issues to report.
Accursi said in his email roughly $1.7 million has been committed to the project through fundraising efforts. The town is aiming to raise $3 million.
Other discussions about the community centre during the council meeting included the grand opening and incorporating the Pelham Welcome Centre in the building.
During his report, CAO Darren Ottaway said staff have met and are working on structuring a grand opening. Although there aren’t any concrete plans as of yet, staff is working out a way to include members of the community in that grand opening ceremony, likely in mid-2018.
Augustyn applauded this. “I think it’s important to get involved (with) members of the community that will be using that facility and showcasing it,” he told council.
As for the welcome centre, councillors liked the idea of having that incorporated into the community centre. It was approved by council at a previous meeting.
Ward 3 Coun. Peter Papp called the idea “terrific,” noting that it offers the opportunity for high exposure.
Accursi also expressed his approval of the idea during council.
“I think it’s something that will add to the community and to the folks that will visit the community, given them some direction,” he said.
Augustyn said the town’s welcome centre has bounced around over the years, at one point being in a standalone building, then in a plaza, then in a store.
Placing it in the community centre, he said, is the perfect spot because it’s a community hub.
The welcome centre will include a partnership with Welland–Pelham Chamber of Commerce, which will highlight businesses in the community.
Accursi suggested having the Pelham Business Association involved, too, so that businesses not associated with the chamber aren’t left out.
Newly appointed Ward 1 Coun. James Lane recommended staff ensure good signage for the community and welcome centres so residents and visitors wouldn’t have any doubt about where they needed to head.
Staff assured council proper signage will be in place for the establishment.