The Village of Pemberton can take the next steps investigating a shared major recreation facility for valley residents with a commissioned feasibility study now complete.
The study by Canlan Ice Sports Inc., commissioned by the village and Lil’wat Nation in the fall, appeared before council during Tuesday’s (March 19) committee of the whole session, assigning estimated capital and operating costs for an arena, field house, pool or a combination of those amenities.
The study estimated capital costs ranging from $4.2 million for a standalone field house to $21.3 million for a combined field house, pool and arena.
The next course of action for the village and Lil’wat is to bring the options back to community members for input on a preferred facility, while also determining what financial partnerships could be explored, or what the impact to taxpayers might be in funding the facility.
“This is preliminary information that we hope to go out to the community with for dialogue, to test assumptions and then come back to council with a framework based on that dialogue saying ‘These are likely the next steps we’d recommend,’ ” chief administrative officer Daniel Sailland explained to council.
The village conducted feedback sessions with youth and adults at Pemberton Secondary School in November that indicated a field house would be the most desired facility, though an arena and pool each received support from more than two-thirds of those weighing in.
The results of that informal survey and the Canlan study will be tested, as the village will hold more Have Your Say sessions to see what residents’ appetites are for the various facility options.
The Canlan study is available at www.pemberton.ca for viewing.
Barn project costs could come down
The village will look to continue discussions with the Timber Framers Guild (TFG) on the outdoor community barn structure that has been called for as part of Pemberton’s Downtown Enhancement Strategy.
A staff report appearing at Tuesday’s meeting indicated that village staff have been in discussions about the project with the TFG, a non-profit organization “dedicated to promoting the benefits, beauty and practicality of a timber frame structure.” The TFG assists with community projects similar to the barn, providing volunteer labour, supervision, necessary tools and other requirements of construction at no cost.
Estimates for construction of the barn have been pegged at $1.44 million, but TFG involvement would reduce the cost significantly. Council directed staff to continue working with the TFG, look for additional funding opportunities and further consult with community stakeholders about the project.
