Regional partners may help shape the proposed Smiths Falls recreation facility
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council supports creating a steering committee to guide early planning for a proposed $49-million recreation facility project.
It was a year ago that the extensive recreation plan received council approval to move forward.
Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark presented the proposal, saying the goal is to create a structured forum that allows regional partners and user groups to provide input as the project advances.
“The goal is to create a structured governance forum that allows regional partners and user groups to provide strategic input and guidance as the project advances,” Clark said.
Clark said the project stems from the arena feasibility study and is envisioned as a shared regional asset that could provide recreational, social and economic benefits to the broader area.
The proposed steering committee would consist of 12 voting members, including three members of Smiths Falls council, five representatives from partner municipalities and four representatives from user groups.
Clark said the committee would provide high-level advice on governance models, ownership structure, regional funding, design intent and overall project direction.
“It is important to emphasize that this committee is advisory only,” Clark said. “Operational control, procurement, budgeting and staffing decisions would remain with the Town of Smiths Falls and would ultimately be subject to council approval.”
Clark said major infrastructure projects often span multiple council terms and beginning discussions now would allow the town to start building relationships with regional partners and develop options that a future council can consider.
Councillors expressed support for the proposal and several indicated interest in serving on the committee.
Coun. Chris McGuire said engagement with regional partners will be important as the project moves forward.
“We need engagement not just one time but ongoing engagement with partners as we work toward a solution here,” McGuire said.
Coun. Jay Brennan suggested ensuring the committee reflects a range of recreation users beyond ice sports.
“There are a lot of different users,” Brennan said, mentioning sports such as basketball and volleyball.
Coun. Peter McKenna asked whether meetings of the steering committee would be open to the public and how long the committee might operate.
Clark said the timeline would depend in part on participation from regional partners and suggested council could revisit the committee’s work in about a year if necessary.
As councillors discussed who might serve on the committee, Clark joked about the commitment involved.
“You get to spend time with me,” she said, drawing laughs around the council table.
Coun. Dawn Quinn said bringing partners and user groups together early in the process could help shape the project.
“Everyone has ideas and opinions,” Quinn said. “By putting it all together in this way where people are there and you’re constructing from that.”
Council also discussed the possibility of inviting the Town of Perth to observe the committee’s work as it undertakes its own recreation planning process.
Clark said the committee would focus on preparatory work while discussions with regional partners continue.
The committee will include three council members including Mayor Shawn Pankow and Coun. Brennan, with a third to be named soon.
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