Director Cubitt confirmed that the Town is currently in Phase 3 of the Collingwood Arts Centre Feasibility Study which is focused on the Business Case of the project. Director Cubitt noted that the consulting team from Colliers Business Leaders presented a near final report with estimated capital cost of the Centre significantly higher than the past feasibility study phase estimates and as such, Staff are asking Council to consider a budget which Colliers and the project Steering Committee can work toward to finalize the project rescoping request.
Dean Plater, Colliers Project Leaders provided an overview of the Collingwood Arts Centre Business Case noting key information regarding funding facts and potential funding sources, reviewed the Towns capital funding based on low net fundraising and high net fundraising and provided details on various financial upset limits. Next steps were provided, and options were presented to Council for consideration.
Mayor Hamlin opened the floor to comments from the public.
Sue Nicholson, General Manager of the Collingwood Downtown BIA spoke in reference to a letter sent to Council in July 2024 regarding concerns with the proposed location on Pine Street and requested that an alternative location be considered. General Manager Nicholson also noted that consideration should be made regarding the impact an Art Centre in the downtown on other current privately operating Arts facilities.
Erica Angus, Executive Director for Theater Collingwood noted she is unaware of the reason that the Pine Street location is not a preferred location; expressed concerns with moving the facility outside of downtown; solutions regarding parking and re-locating the farmers market can be considered; and that the Town currently does not have an accessible theater space that meets the needs of the performers and patrons.
Andrew Conway, owner of a downtown building and member of the BIA noted that although concern has been raised regarding the proposed location of the Arts Centre, stakeholders and business owners are not opposed to having an Arts Centre in the community. Andrew Conway noted the importance of ensuring that the consultant and Council consider all input being put forward; that the Pine Street parking lot is surrounded by a vibrant business area and the [interim] parkette at 84 Hurontario Street; and there are historic site lines in downtown Collingwood which are unique and cherished. Andrew Conway noted that if consideration is going to be made to reduce the scope of the work, that Council should consider another location as well.
Rob Hard, resident of Collingwood and member of CACE (Collingwood Art Culture Entertainment) Group noted that Council should not be consumed with deciding the location at this time and that the facility will serve the community for over 75 years as other communities have historic facilities that are still operational today.
Thom Vincent, resident and member of CACE expressed the importance of having the Arts Centre downtown as it is a principal marketing area and a tremendous addition to Collingwood’s downtown. Thom Vincent noted that he is confident that funds of up to 10 million dollars could be raised for this project.
Jim Roe, resident and member of CACE noted Council should not be considering a scope reduction, but that the Town should consider a budget the steering committee can work within.
Sue Ann Rothwell expressed concern with parking and the large investment for the Town and taxpayers, expressed her support of an Arts Centre but not supportive of it being Downtown at the cost of a parking lot.
Chuck Austin requested Council consider the possibility of putting a theater at the Collingwood Terminals.
Councillor Perry joined the meeting.
Mayor Hamlin closed public comments.
Dean Plater and Staff answered questions and took comments from Council that included alternative locations in relation to scope reduction options; funding for the project and the ability to extend the amortization period; the seating capacity of the proposed facility; the difficulty in assigning a specific target amount without knowing all the implications it could have on other budget decisions; the feasibility in the various class levels provided; timelines; and consideration to hold an in-person meeting with the consultants.