Councillor MacCulloch left the meeting with respect to his declared conflict and did not participate in the discussion or vote on this item.
Director Cubitt briefed Council on the Arts Centre Feasibility Study Phase 3 results confirming that the objectives of Phase 3 are design options, site selection and budget considerations. Director Cubitt thanked the Steering Committee for their efforts and confirmed Staffs recommendation is for Committee to receive the report only.
Dean Plater, Colliers Project Leader provided Committee with an overview of the project and work completed to date. Architect Gary McCluskie, Diamond Schmitt provided Committee with an overview of what a 600-seat flexible performance hall and flexible lobby could provide, noting various uses beyond the core performance space, and provided Committee with a rendering of the Collingwood Arts Centre exterior architecture, noting the importance of incorporating the Town’s architectural heritage.
Jose Trinidad, Diamond Schmitt provided Committee with an overview of the exterior architecture, the streetscape of the building and the interior architecture taking into consideration Collingwood’s shipbuilding history and the escarpment, and reviewed floor plans based on the location at 48 Ste Marie Street.
Dean Plater presented a cost analysis and provided a review of capital costs, provided Committee with an overview of site selection comparisons confirming that 48 Ste Marie Street is the preferred location.
Chair Potts opened the floor to comments from the public.
Richard Lex, property owner on Simcoe Street spoke in support of the proposed location and layout; that the facility will be great for downtown businesses, and it fits into the east side of Hurontario Street close to the Museum and the waterfront development. Richard Lex noted concern with parking as it is already an issue in the downtown core and that he is looking forward to the upcoming Parking Study.
Lynn Cunningham addressed Committee noting that the Town desperately needs this facility and that Council should give it serious consideration.
Charlie Gudaitis provided his support of the proposed location; that the facility will promote tourism year-round; that a highschool theater will have limited hours of use during the school year; and that highschool facilities do not permit the sale of alcohol.
Melissa Vincent James noted that as a dance instructor there is a demand for dance courses in Town but that space to provide them is limited; that she is supportive of the facility as the Town needs more space to foster the arts.
Catherine Campbell noted that she moved to Collingwood for the quality of life and that investing in an asset like an Arts Centre will add to the quality of life in the community.
Steve Godowski noted that people around the region have interest in this facility; that the Town has world-class performers that people will come to see; and that there is money in the community to help with costs.
Sue Nicholson, General Manager of the Downtown Collingwood BIA addressed Committee noting that the BIA is supporting of the Arts Community and the work that has been undertaken, requesting reconsideration of the Leisure Time Club property. General Manager Nicholson noted that the downtown core extends far beyond what was presented by the consultants and that the Leisure Time Club connects to the waterfront and to the Museum. General Manager Nicholson noted the proposed location will have an impact on downtown parking and that replacement and additional parking must be considered before any decisions are made to move forward. General Manager Nicholson requested that the BIA be included in discussions surrounding next steps.
Suanne Rothwell noted that she is supportive of an arts centre, but that it should not be located downtown as parking is already an issue; that the residents will be responsible for the capital costs; and that the tax payers will be required to maintain the facility.
Judy Sheppard noted that an arts centre does not fulfill the needs of all of the members of the community; that the configuration for the flexible space is good; that residents need to be aware of the operating costs, parking issues that will arise; that Council should consider the Leisure Time Centre and the Katano Friendship Gardens as a possible location with parking.
Jim Roe noted that many people have provided an opinion without fact; there is evidence to suggest that the Leisure Time Club is not the right location; that Collingwood has a significant arts community and that investing in the arts centre is an investment in the residents of the Town.
Chair Potts closed public comment.
Staff and the Consultants answered questions and received comments from Committee regarding: parking and the importance of ensuring that parking being taken away is replaced and that parking is able to maintain what the building can hold; that having an Arts Centre downtown Collingwood would help activate downtown Collingwood at night; clarification on what was taken away when the work was re-scoped; clarification on the capital and operating budget presented; if Council is able to submit questions to Staff in advance of the report being presented in two weeks; that Town transit and the long-term strategic financial model be taken into consideration; that the Town consider the Heritage standards in the Heritage District; and the importance of considering the Leisure Time Club as a potential location to ensure all options are considered.