Support is growing for a proposed new community centre that would be built in conjunction with the new Bedford high school, scheduled to open in September 2013 near the RIM building.
The proposed centre was discussed in front of about 100 residents during a public meeting at the BMO Centre on Wednesday evening.
The discussion was organized by HRM councillors Tim Outhit (Bedford) and Peter Lund (Hammonds Plains), both of whom initiated the proposed centre.
Leading the discussion was Betty Lou Killen, HRM’s Community Facility Master Plan Project Manager.
The proposed centre would feature an enhanced school gymnasium (10,500 square feet), an additional community gymnasium (8,499 square feet), space for preschool, youth and senior programs and dance and exercise studios.
The 22,000-square-foot facility would have to be funded by the Bedford/Hammonds Plains ratepayers. Nearly everyone in attendance raised their hands when asked if they would be willing to accept a small increase in property taxes in order to fund the centre.
By having a community centre integrated with a new high school, a savings of 25 percent would be realized when compared to the costs of building a standalone community centre, according to Killen.
In addition to the community centre building, an artificial turf regulation football field would be built at an adjacent location. This would help meet the needs of the football community and could also be used for soccer and other artificial turf activities.
The artificial turf facility would be funded by HRM capital budget.
The construction of such a building would not be without challenges. The site is in a tight space and needs to be planned well to accommodate parking and a sports field.
Expenses:
$8.5 million as a stand-alone facility
$6.4 million to build it adjacent to the school (shared driveways, septic systems, etc.)
$1.7 million is the cost of an artificial turf facility
Each household will receive in approximately 14 days a card in the mail with facts and figures on this new project.
To show your support or express any concerns, contact your local councillor, Tim Outhit. To contact Tim, send him an email outhitt@halifax.ca or call 229-6385 .
To contact Betty Lou Killen, email her at CFMP@halifax.ca or contact her office at 490-5713.
A copy of the powerpoint presentation will be posted on the HRM website at www.halifax.ca/facilities.
