Council gets look at expansion plans

Lack of bus link to Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex remains a problem

WATERLOO — Council got a sneak peek at what an expansion of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex could like in the near future.

An early concept proposed by staff includes three new areas of activity in and around the existing building on Father David Bauer Drive.

An addition to the front of the building will house a new lobby, courts and gym space. A separate structure on the other side of the building will have older adult programs and connect to the main building with a bridge. Inside the facility, an underused banquet hall will be renovated to include more exercise and activity space.

“It’s an opportunity for intergenerational programming,” said Beth Rajnovich, policy and performance analyst with the city.

Last year council asked staff to examine whether it would be feasible for the city to shut down two aging older adult recreation facilities and incorporate those programs at the Father David Bauer Drive complex.

The designs presented to council on Monday are in the early stages and still need to go through public consultation and gain final council approval in December.

Transportation was a concern for some councillors. Right now there isn’t a Grand River Transit bus route that travels down Father David Bauer Drive.

“The transportation links have not evolved with this facility,” Coun. Mark Whaley said. “We cannot expect seniors to walk down from Erb.”

Staff said the city has asked the transit authority for a stop on Father David Bauer Drive, but Grand River Transit denied the request.

The total estimated cost of the facility is $26.9 million and staff

said they are still working on an estimate of operating costs.

Revenue from the potential sale of the Adult Recreation Centre on Albert Street and Wing 404 on Dutton Drive can be put toward this project, staff said.

The idea is to transfer all the programs, rooms and services from both older adult facilities to the new space that will connect to the recreation complex with a bridge.

“As an age-friendly city, it’s so important … we have that mixed use,” Mayor Dave Jaworksy said.

Coun. Mark Whaley said he thinks the plan to renovate the Hauser Haus banquet room is too hasty. The large space hosts the Landlord and Tenant Board as well as pottery sales. Staff said it is underused and would benefit from more programming.

“When it is used, it’s essential for our community,” Whaley added.

A public consultation will be held on Oct. 12 at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex at the Hauser Haus from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.