Rec centre expansion targets seniors
Additions being planned in recognition of Waterloo’s greying demographics
WATERLOO — Waterloo’s seniors may be four years away from up to $26 million in new space to help them stay fit and engaged.
Following public input, city council is moving to the detailed design of a planned expansion of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, opened in 1993 on Father David Bauer Drive.
“I think this is a great intergenerational opportunity,” Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky said upon approval of a feasibility study.
The plan is meant to help meet changing recreation trends and to centralize seniors’ programs into the downtown recreation centre from two outdated sites that could then be put up for sale. Proponents see more programs at an improved facility.
New images released this week show what the expanded complex might look like. Highlights of the three-part expansion include:
A gymnasium addition to the front of the recreation complex would use glazed glass, letting visitors see the activity inside and creating a strong first impression.
Renovating the Hauser Haus inside the com-
plex would put little-used space to more use by installing another walking concourse and space for fitness classes.
A new, two-storey building beside the recreation complex would be used for adult recreation and as a community pavilion. It would connect by an enclosed bridge to the second floor of the complex.
It will be up to the next council to approve construction in 2019. If approved, the targeted opening is mid-2021.
The project is seen in part as a nod to Waterloo’s changing population. The city has fewer children than in 2001. Soon it’s expected to have more seniors than children, the first local city to tip that balance.
With this in mind, expansion is planned with wider hallways and doorways and larger elevators. It will include a number of universal washrooms and will expand the family change room at the swimming pool.
Higher revenues are expected to offset higher costs at the expanded complex, leaving its annual operating subsidy unchanged. Council’s financial challenge is to find $26 million to build it, an estimate that may change pending final design.
Most construction funding will come from one-time taxes to be paid by other new buildings. This leaves almost $12 million that could be found by selling two closed sites, dipping into city savings and borrowing. A funding plan is to be finalized in 2019.
Seniors centres that would close are the Adult Recreation Centre on King Street South and the Wing 404 Rotary Adult Centre on Dutton Drive. A report calls them “aging facilities that present many accessibility and space challenges, and have dated decor and amenities.”
Expansion will consume 93 parking spaces, leaving 480 spaces that planners say are enough to serve daily needs.
Grand River Transit does not directly serve the recreation complex and is not planning a bus on Father David Bauer Drive. The nearest bus stop is on Erb Street West more than 350 metres away.
City hall is making plans to improve the walk from the nearest bus stops to the recreation complex, including better sidewalks, crossings, benches and signs.