Some design features have been removed from plans for Saugeen Shores’ new Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Port Elgin with an aim to prevent the $49 million project from going about $10 million over budget.
Councillors heard some updates this week about the facility’s design elements.
Town Development services supervisor Jay Pausner says, “The design and review teams have been refining the project to remain under budget while delivering on the key elements of the project.”
Director of Community Services and Operations Kristan Schrider told councillors during discussion, the Town hired a construction manager (Ball Construction) which gave a cost estimate for the work that was about $10 million more than originally anticipated.
Shrider says, “One of the benefits of the construction management method is that we bring the construction manager to the table early so that they can be involved in some of those design questions, especially where we need to focus on budget and reductions to not compromise program and functionality of the building but to find some cost savings and explore some opportunities with that.”
In the latest design presentation, consultants Ryan Stitt of Salter Pillon and Michael Gallant from Lett told councillors, a proposed green roof will not be part of the immediate plan.
There is a reduction of glass in the design due to cost, plans no longer include a cathedral style roof over the pool, and the design plan no longer includes heavy timber due to cost.
The pool will still have eight lanes, the gym will have a full-sized basketball court, two volleyball courts and can expand for eight pickleball courts.
A four-lane track has been revised to a three-lane track in the interest of cost saving, and because it’s not intended to be a competition running track, but more of a combination running/ walking track.
There are multipurpose rooms planned, a fitness studio, a conditioning centre which would have gym equipment.
There will also be rec centre admin offices, change rooms and washrooms.
A civic square is planned for in front of the Plex, and while there are some amenities that are deferred like outdoor courts and a playground, planners say there are still outdoor spaces planned for use by summer camps and other groups.
Updated plans include 167 more parking spaces for a total of 411 spaces and a bus loading zone.
Plans for a new or renovated council chamber will take on a more limited scope.
The consultants told council, elements could change further as the project progresses and when construction bids come in.
There is still consideration for a future ice pad between the existing Plex and the site of the new centre.
In discussion with councillors, Shrider notes, “There has been some sacrifice that is made, but I believe that those options we’ve considered have not impacted the overall experience of the building that it will bring to the community.”
Lett Consultant Michael Gallant says they found a higher water table at the site than anticipated. As a result, the floor will be at a higher elevation, and utilities rooms and equipment will not be in a lower level as originally envisioned, they’ll be on the main floor.
Because there is a higher water table than anticipated on the site, some of the utilities rooms and equipment that was planned for a lower level are now to be on the ground floor level.
There are plans for a total of four electric vehicle charging stations on site. There are currently two. Councillor Cheryl Grace expressed a desire to see more of them. Shrider noted the possibility is being explored.
The consultants say, while the building will be solar-ready, (meaning it will be able to accommodate that in the future), panels won’t go in presently.
Councillor Bud Halpin gave the opinion that energy efficiency should be top of mind, noting, “It’s incumbent upon us as being clean energy leaders —and everything that we promote Saugeen Shores for— to be as green as is possible, and money spent on insulation and money spent on anything to reduce future heating costs and maintenance costs is always prudent because I can never think of a time when our energy costs are going to be lower. I just think we need to push to get these things in.”
Halpin added, “With solar panel prices coming down and being more affordable, I think if there’s any way at all, we should be doing this and perhaps that should be the first thing that we raise money for, because the solar panels are going to give us a benefit from day one.”
Provided the permit stage goes well, the plan is to start site and foundation construction in August and be finished in February of 2025.