The decision made Monday was to complete clubhouse design without under patio golf cart storage, or in fact any new cart storage. -
The motion, made by Councillor Chris Wyatt and passing with a four – three vote, came after hearing an update on the design of the clubhouse that had consultants seeking direction on cart storage.
The Deer Park Clubhouse Steering Committee and aodbt Architecture and Interior Design are nearing the end of the detailed design process for the proposed new Deer Park Clubhouse, explained Darcy McLeod – Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation with the City Monday.
The report Monday updated Council on the detailed design to date as well as obtain direction from Council on how to proceed with cart storage.
“This is required to allow completion of the final design so that a preliminary cost can be brought back for Council consideration when deciding whether to proceed to tender or not,” said McLeod.
Mitch Strocen of aodbt Architecture and Interior Design told Council they had continued to look at under patio storage, going so far as to seek third party costing that pegged it at $500,000.
By contract a standalone building option was anticipated to cost $350,000.
But Wyatt said no cart storage was the best option.
“We’re talking about cart storage when we don’t have to store carts,” he said, noting the carts are owned by the contracted course manager. He added the $500,000, or even $350,000 could be better spent on other projects the City is looking at such as what to do with the Kinsmen Arena.
Coun. Ken Chyz, who sat opposed when the votes were cast said, cart rentals are a major revenue source and he suggested “in 10-years or less” the City will “take ownership of the carts.”
Mayor Mitch Hippsley said the expense might make sense if there was a return on the investment.
“I’d like to see more accurate plans of where we can recoup the cost of golf cart storage,” he said.
City Administration did remind the motion made by Wyatt could be tabled pending more information, but the Councillor was not wanting to wait.
“I’m not in favour of delaying this any further,” he said.
Coun. Darcy Zaharia was for a time unsure which way to go.
“In a perfect world it would be great to have underground storage,” he said, but also noted the $500,000 price tag was a lot of money. In the end he would support the motion.
Coun. Randy Goulden, who was one of those opposed, said the return on the money would come over decades of use. She noted the current clubhouse was started in 1960 and has proven a good investment.
“What do we want for the future?” she asked.
Answering her own question Goulden said they want a facility that will exist for the next 60-years and can be something people can “be proud of in our city.”
With the decision made regarding cart storage, McLeod told Council users have continued to be consulted through the fine tuning of the clubhouse, and will continue to be in its final stages.
The Steering Committee met with the user groups to receive feedback and input, which have been included in the design process.
“Public input will continue once direction is received for cart storage so that the final design can be shared with the public,” said McLeod.
The intent is that an online input process will be used, similar to the process used for the Gallagher Centre Renewal project. Specifically, the plans will be made available for the public through a project website where they can provide feedback and ask questions, the answers to which will also be posted online. This feedback will be shared with Council as part of the project final presentation, he explained.
As for the cost of the plan, that is the next step.
“The financial implications will be determined and brought forward with the final design presentation, currently anticipated for the Oct. 25, regular Council meeting, when the project will be ready to proceed to tender, if Council so directs,” said McLeod.
