New Recreation Land

A. The Wellesley Arena, like all Township facilities, has always been maintained. Staff, with the assistance of outside agents where necessary, review all maintenance requirements of facilities. Identified repairs are carried out in accordance with approved budgets. All buildings and building components have a life expectancy. When this life expectancy is nearing an end, Council must decide whether the most logical option is to repair, replace or decommission the asset. This is carefully examined based on a variety of criteria which varies based on the asset. In the case of the Wellesley Arena, several components have been deemed to be at the end of lifecycle and Council has decided the best course of action is to replace the facility rather than extend its life. The planning for potential replacement had begun several years ago based on reports that indicated a 10 year life expectancy. The most recent inspections revealed deterioration had taken place faster than anticipated which is what lead to the closure of the arena.

A. Staff is actively seeking a short term repair that could extend the life of the arena at a reasonable cost until a new facility can be built. Staff will provide a recommendation to Council if a suitable solution is possible. Public buildings must meet high standards for safety which eliminates some short term repairs.

A. Council has not discussed selling the current lands but it would be possible to repurpose some or all of these lands. Best practices in land use planning would maintain parkland in the residential areas. Staff opinion at this time is that the majority of the green space at the current parkland should remain for recreation purposes. This includes the ball diamonds, soccer fields, accessible playground, splash pad and picnic shelter. A need has been identified by the community for seniors housing. This could potentially be accommodated where the current arena sits and could include a commercial component (eg. service offices or mercantile). No decisions have been made on repurposing these lands at this time.

A. No definite decisions have been made. Council purchased the land at the corner of Hutchison Road and Queens Bush Road in anticipation of a new facility being built there at some point. Council has determined that the existing arena will not be repaired or upgraded. A new facility must be scalable for future needs which is unlikely to be possible on the current lands since that property is currently unable to accommodate any additional amenities due to constrained land area. Council and staff will be considering feedback from the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre Committee which is comprised of groups which would use the facility and recreation grounds.

A. Planning has begun in anticipation of a new facility. Staff has initiated the design and engineering required to be ready to apply for federal and provincial funding when the application window opens as directed by Council.