$12.4 million in spinoff yearly

Build It Right disappointed by lack of 50-metre pool

SUZY TEUBNER | Halifax News Net

The most recent set of numbers are in, and once in operation, the new Mainland Commons Recreation Centre is expected to generate $12.4 million in direct and spinoff revenue yearly.

That number comes from a recent study by Canmac Economics Ltd. commissioned by the HRM.

The assessment also said the project would employ 652 employees during the two-year construction phase and generate $29.1 million in household income (from wages and salaries) which would flow back into the economy.

"This project will provide an important facility to benefit athletes across the province and Canada, while generating important economic benefits for the Halifax region," said Peter MacKay, minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The study showed $27.5 million would be generated in provincial economic output during construction (from construction materials and related supplies). On the operating side, once the centre opens, close to 300 people will be employed directly and indirectly through the project. In a five year financial analysis of the centre, a staff report (available online at www.halifax.ca) sees a loss of revenue at the start.

"It is proposed that the forecasted loss for each year will be covered by the operational savings with the closure of Northcliffe estimated at $330,000. In addition, staff are budgeting $50,000 operating costs from capital in 2009-10 and $300,000 operating from capital in 2010-11."

"It takes a couple of years to get a new facility up and running and membership in place," explained Margaret Soley, project manager with HRM Infrastructure and Asset Management.

Funding from all three levels of government for the $40.5-million project was announced last week. The multi-use facility will be a primary venue for the 2011 Canada Winter Game and will include competitive and warm-up pools, a 200-metre indoor track and a field house.

Halifax West MP Geoff Regan said the project would be good for the economy and job creation.

"People will be coming to train there, (and) the training centre may attract from people from across the region. They need to have a place to stay, eat, maybe do a little shopping," he said. "There has been a lot of growth in the suburbs in the last decade - Fairview, Clayton Park, Timberlea, Tantallon. We want recreational facilities to support the expansion. Not only will it be easier to attract businesses with good recreational facilities, it's a positive sign for HRM."

Soley said the centre was the largest project since Captain William Spry.

"It took awhile to secure the funding necessary and years of studies and consultation. We can now can go back to the community and get comments and feedback," she said. "The main components are what the community identified back in 2005."

An open house will be held Aug. 20 at Keshen Goodman Library from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., where the public can ask questions and view detailed floor plans. A newsletter and ongoing public displays are also planned throughout the fall.

Clayton Park West Coun. Mary Wile said the project, apart from the Metro Centre and Harbour Solutions, was one of the biggest in HRM for years and would create jobs.

"We will be employing many people. Northcliffe Pool will be closed (and) staff from there will go to the Mainland Commons Centre. There will be other staff and offices there as well," she said, calling the site a "major athletic and community centre for our people."

Wile said the centre will benefit everyone and get people out and active.

"Someone asked why not take the money and fix potholes? There are all different departments, (and) one of them is health and health care. It's important to get out there, get exercise and participate. Health care is important. There are costs to the system," she said.

News of the project has been criticized by some who argue the new facility should have included a 50-metre pool, the minimum length required for hosting national and international swimming competitions. A province-funded study to determine if a 50-metre pool should be built concluded it was not necessary at this time with two 50-metre pools already in HRM - one at Dalhousie and the other, Centennial. It was also announced last week $3 million will be invested into Centennial to extend its life for another 15 to 20 years.

"The last three studies by HRM all indicated the requirement for a 50-metre pool in Nova Scotia," said Francis MacDonald, co-chair of Build It Right. "There isn't a facility in Nova Scotia where national events can be held. There is the opportunity to take advantage of now and put in a (50-metre) pool. We feel the consulting report is flawed."

MacDonald said their organization has not been given the opportunity to present their views to council and were finally advised last Friday they would have five minutes to make presentation this past Tuesday.

"We've been asking for six months. Unfortunately, a lot of things the municipality does are under built," he said. "In terms of the economy, holding national events and health and wellness would offset any of the other costs. They're being short sighted."

Soley said the "campus-style" project has great potential and room for future expansion.

"There is room to build if the need is identified down the road," she said. "There is opportunity down the road for a 50-metre pool or one or two surface arenas. It would be an additional $10 million (to add a 50-metre pool) to the project. If the goal is to host national meets, we have two pools. The operating cost are very high for a 50-metre versus 25-metre and those costs are shouldered by the municipality."

Construction is expected to begin in early fall and to be completed in late 2010. The project will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver standard and will include a geothermal well system for earth source heat/cooling, recycled and local materials and energy saving lighting.

Land for the Mainland Common centre was acquired almost two decades ago by the former City of Halifax. Public facilities including Halifax West High School, Keshen Goodman Library, a double all-weather field, softball, baseball and volleyball fields, an indoor soccer facility and trails have since been built on the property.

Funding announcements last week included $12 million each from the province and federal government. The other $16.5 million will come from the city and community fundraising.

For further information on the Mainland Common Centre, visit www.halifax.ca and www.build-it-right.ca.