$13M library/leisure centre expansion would open in 2017

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 15, 2015
By Sandra Bolan

“It’s not everything that everyone wants but it’s a compromise that benefits everyone,” Mayor Justin Altmann told yorkregion.com/the Stouffville Sun-Tribune last night in regards to the newly revealed concept drawings for the leisure centre/library expansion.

The 37,575- square-foot plan consists of an expanded library, more multipurpose space, a viewing gallery for the pool, an enlarged fitness studio/gym area, lounge and cafeteria as well as a new home for Latcham Gallery.

The expanded library and relocated gallery will not meet the long-term needs of Whitchurch-Stouffville residents, but “it’s going to be the best possible solution to the renovation of the facility,” said Ray McNeice, chairperson for the gallery’s board.

He did, however, note the gallery will benefit from the move because of the increased foot traffic and the community will also benefit because of the increased exposure of the gallery.

“The Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library is pleased that after some seven years there is now a positive move forward, which will be of tremendous benefit not only to the library's card holders but to all residents as well,” Lloyd Pinnock, chairperson of the library’s board of trustees said, in part, in an emailed statement to The Sun-Tribune.

McNeice and Pinnock were among the roughly 50 people who went to the Municipal Offices to hear what the new plan was all about.

Councillors Hugo Kroon, Iain Lovatt and Rick Upton, along with Altmann, were also in attendance.

Under the previous council’s concept plan, a second pool was going to be constructed next to the current one in the complex in Memorial Park.

Now, that second pool will adjoin the Stouffville Clippers Sports Complex on Weldon Road, as was the plan when the arena was built.

Planning for the second pool will get underway once construction is started on the leisure centre/library, with a budget ready for approval in early 2017, according to Marc Pourvahidi, CAO for the town.

Also missing from this plan is dedicated seniors’ space, which was of concern to resident Ian Hilton.

Hilton, the husband of former councillor Susanne Hilton, noted without a seniors’ centre in the facility, there would no longer be a draw for seniors to interact with other generations. He added research has shown it’s beneficial for everyone if seniors keep in touch with younger people.

The 55+ Club has opted to move into 6240 Main St., which is currently occupied by the gallery. It also has town-owned multipurpose space the seniors will utilize.

“That was their wish and decision,” Pourvahidi said.

The initial plan presented in July was going to create a 28,500-square-foot facility with a budget of $12,825,000. The revised plan has an additional 9,075 square feet, at no added cost.

Except for the gallery, the expansion will be paid for by development charges.

“I’m cautiously optimistic we may not have to borrow money,” Pourvahidi said.

There is no dedicated gymnasium, but the multipurpose space could have gym usage, if built correctly, Rob Raycroft, the town’s director of leisure and community services told The Sun-Tribune.

This plan calls for additional parking to the south of the building, but Altmann told The Sun-Tribune he ideally would like it expanded to the skate park.

There would also be a splash pad/water park area and the farmers’ market, similar to the space in downtown Newmarket where there is a park and weekend market.

However, these additions would be part of the Memorial Park plan, which is also being worked on, according to Altmann.

A final plan, which incorporates the latest suggestions from residents, will go before council Nov. 17. If approved, the project will be considered for inclusion into the 2016 budget in late January, with construction beginning shortly thereafter.

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2017, according to Pourvahidi.

The size of various components within the current proposal is as follows:

Leisure Centre

New fitness area: 5,500 square feet
New aerobics studio: 2,370 square feet
New multipurpose space: 5,600 square feet
Staff room/storage: 955 square feet

Common area

Viewing area: 1,600 square feet
Lobby/lounge: 1,400 square feet

Library

Expansion: 16,000 square feet
Latcham Gallery
New space: 3,850 square feet