Dave Mabell
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
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It's an impressive list: A new fire headquarters; a community arts centre; a branch library; the Enmax Centre upgrade; a new curling club and twin ice arena; and the fleet services building.
They're just some of the major building projects approved by city council in recent years. There's also a new football stadium, an expansion of the downtown art gallery and the Stafford Centre for city office space.
But Lethbridge may be taking a breather over the next few years. City administration isn't recommending any major building projects in its next capital improvement plan. Instead, it's listing a series of capital repair or enhancement projects at existing facilities.
And, in a report prepared for city council's information today, community services director Bary Beck says planning should begin for a series of major projects - including a performing arts centre - which won't be started until 2018 or later.
Several projects approved for the current (2011-13) plan are still in the works, he points out, including expansions to the police station and the transit maintenance centre.
Over the next four years, Beck is recommending a list of upgrades, including $2.6 million for an air conditioning system at the Enmax Centre, $2.1 million to replace the concrete slab underneath the Labour Club Arena ice, and between $1 and $2 million each for structural repairs at the Galt Museum and the Bowman Arts Centre.
Meanwhile, he says, the city should start planning a new southside fire hall and a twin-ice arena to replace the old Civic Centre and Adams Arena facilities. Funds to build those projects could be provided in the city's 2018-23 time frame.
So could a long-delayed performing arts centre, he indicates. Funds for detailed planning of a 950-seat theatre could be included in the 2014-17 plan, he indicates - or put off until later. Construction costs are currently estimated at $55.6 million.
If the project is delayed, Beck is proposing a $5.1-million enhancement to the Yates Centre, including installation of elevators, expansion of the foyers at the Yates and the adjacent Sterndale Bennett Theatre and expansion of the dressing rooms backstage.
Whether or not a new theatre proceeds, Beck says $16 million should be spent over the shorter term on needed mechanical repairs to both theatres, including washroom renovations and upgrades to the theatres' electrical, mechanical and fire suppression systems.
Beck's report will be presented this afternoon, when council meets as the city's finance committee. Later in the month, he'll report on parks and infrastructure projects.
In March, Beck plans to outline the city's options for new aquatic and leisure centre facilities.
Later in March, Beck expects council will hear funding requests from a number of civic groups including the Exhibition board, the Family Centre, Spitz Stadium and the Henderson Golf Club. Also expected are requests for a youth centre, a Fish and Game project, for a proposal from the Galt No. 8 Mine Society and one from the Prairie Baseball Academy.