Title
Yellowhead County - 2013 Capital Cost Share Request (Evansburg Arena)
Recommendation
That Council approve funding of up to $45,000 from Restricted Surplus for Yellowhead County - 2012 Capital Cost Share Request - Recreation Facilities for Acoustical Upgrades at the Evansburg Arena.
Body
Purpose
Under the terms of our cost share agreement with Yellowhead County Parkland County may, at their discretion, provide funding support for capital repairs made to the Evansburg Arena.
Summary
Yellowhead County has had long standing issues with acoustics in the arena. Skating clubs have had issues with competitions; music is not played during hockey game intermissions, nor during stoppages in play; and the ability to attract musical acts to the facility does not currently exist. Yellowhead County brought in an Acoustical Engineering firm to assess the acoustics in the arena and make recommendations on how to address the issues. Their report is attached. The recommendation is to add acoustical tiles, banners or panels in appropriate configurations to absorb the sound, thus improving the acoustics in the arena. Total projected cost for the project is $90,000, with the County's share being $45,000.
As per our cost share agreement with Yellowhead County we may cost share up to 50% of the costs associated with capital repair. Cost share amount is based on the percentage of Parkland residents that benefit from having access to this facility.
Administrative Position
Administration believes these upgrades would be beneficial towards the effective use of the arena by its user groups; as well as increasing the potential of attracting concerts or other events that may not only provide social and cultural benefits to the community but also provide another revenue stream that did not really exist before.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Quality of Life
Goal 1 - Parkland County will support our communities and organizations.
Strategy 1.1 - Enhance recreation facilities.
Governance
Goal 1 - Parkland County will ensure Administration is provided with the necessary tools to serve the residents of Parkland County efficiently and effectively.
Strategy 1.3 - Collaborate with partners on matters of mutual benefit.
Other
Work to be carried out in 2012 with payment of cost share expected in 2013. If approved funds would be allocated as part of the 2013 Budget process.