FAQ
- Public consultation must occur on the behalf of the School District regarding the disposition of the facility (this occurred in September 2021)
- Approval of the Ministry of Education to dispose of the facility (the School District has made this request to the Ministry based on public input)
- The RDN will need to conduct an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to obtain the approval of the Electoral Area A residents (this has not yet happened).
When will details of the changes to be done to the interior be available?
Concept designs showing how the interior spaces will be used as a community centre should be available by November, 2023.
How do I inquire about renting the community centre once it is opened?
Once the project progresses further, rental inquires will likely be taken via a link from this project site. For more information please feel free to contact one of the RDN staff listed under "Who's Listening"
Is the tennis court and concrete play areas going to stay where they are or change?
The importance of the tennis court and concrete play areas, or something similar, to the community is recognized. However, building and site requirements like improvements for parking, emergency access, accessibility and constraints such as the location of the septic field, may require new hard surface play areas to be located somewhere else within the community park
Has a name for the facility when it reopens as a community centre been chosen?
No, while commonly referred to as the South Wellington Community Centre, a name for the community centre has not been chosen. Possible names and suggestions from the Community are welcome.
Has the RDN Board approved all phases and funding of the project?
No, while the RDN is supportive of the project, only the design and costing of Phase I, Stage I (minimal requirements to open as a community centre) has been approved. It is anticipated that a staff report will be going to the RDN Board Fall, 2023 with updated costing and project scheduling information requesting approval to proceed with tendering.
How will the project be funded?
The cost of the required upgrades to the facility will come from Electoral Area A Recreation, and Cultural reserve funds (money that has been saved over time from the EA A tax requisition) and Community Works Funding (a Federal Government Grant program).
The ongoing operational costs of the community centre will fall under the Electoral Area A Recreation and Culture and the Community Parks budgets.
Future rental revenue will also help to offset some costs.
Who will operate the facility?
The RC Strategies report recommendation is that the RDN and South Wellington Community Association (SWACA) collaborate to develop a facility management agreement that fits the needs of the community and the capacity of the Association.
One possible approach is that SWACA would manage the facility bookings and general upkeep of the Community Centre and that the RDN would handle the delivery of recreation programs. This will become more clear as we move forward through the process.
What conditions need to be met before the lease is finalized?
The following are the conditions that need to be met:
These conditions have now been met.