Session Title: RECREATION CENTRE
Convenor: Ron Monk
Note taker: Ron Monk
Participants: Rick, Val, Tom, Bev, Jim C., Frank, Janet, Bill S., Jon, Dave, Ron H., Jo-Anne, Shawn and some Bumblebees
Summary of discussions:
Four
main topic areas:
1) “The Bruise” (differences and feelings over how the rec centre was built, is used, implications for island businesses, etc.)
2) Economics of rec centre
3) Uses/ideas to ensure operating costs are met
4) Fire hall/ambulance/rec centre planning
“Finances are transparent and readily available to anyone who asks.” (Rick) Currently, annual operating loss is around $10,000 (not considered a large amount). Principal sources of income are rents from Parks office, medical clinic and the Lion’s Club; applications are pending for grants from the Gaming Commission; need ideas beyond same annual events.
Outside (off island) user groups limited by ferry capacity and on-island accommodation (Jim).
“The community needs to set out its priorities.” (Frank) Noted aging population, population size, desire for facilities. This sentiment echoed by Shawn as a business owner who “competes with a 300-seat venue run by volunteers.” Point made that fund-raising events at the rec centre make it difficult for local businesses (later brought up again by Jon)
There was some discussion that a modest amount in property taxes could deal with operating costs. There was also concern that businesses bear a greater amount of taxes and would end up subsidizing the rec centre disproportionably. Val noted that off-island property owners are a helpful resource to balance out taxes borne by permanent residents. Jim pointed out the shift in # of new homes built over past few years compared with increase in population, and how their portion of taxes would spread out any increases.
It was noted (Tom) that the rec centre was built not only through donations, but also through taxes (grants, rent from Parks, etc.)
There was discussion of the disposition of funds from the lamb BBQ through the Community Club, and to what extent the rec centre could benefit. Jon expressed concern that grants from one area would take away from other areas. It was also suggested that rather than this being looked at as an “either/or” (when one area gets funding from Community Club another suffers), perhaps there are ways to “expand the pie”.
Janet stressed the advisability of coordination of all our planning initiatives. This coincides with the direction from last Community Club meeting that the rec centre, firefighters and ambulance
organizations get together to plan and coordinate proposed new facilities on rec centre
property. Rick expressed a desire that aesthetics be considered, possibly a park area.
Some ideas emerged, to be expanded upon in Sunday’s sessions:
- look into School District paying for school and SEEC use
- parks/rec centre provide events for outside user groups
- partnerships and/or coordination between rec centre events and private businesses on the island
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