Issue
The West Parry Sound Recreational and Cultural Centre Board (WPSRCCB) passed a resolution on December 14, 2022* to expand the scope of the project by increasing the size of the pool from 4 lanes to 6 lanes contingent upon fundraising.**
The Township of Carling’s (Carling) representative supported the December 14th resolution in absence of clear, overall cost projections and implications for Carling taxpayers, without any formal consultation with Carling taxpayers and, without discussion at Carling Council. Carling is committed to funding 10.5% of operating and capital costs. With current inflation and the proposed expansion of the pool, both capital and operating costs will be higher than previous projections. The December 14th resolution proposes that the higher costs will be offset by outside fundraising. Absent adequate fundraising, the only route to access funds would be to return to the municipalities to cover any cost overruns or funding shortfall through debt or increased property taxes, thus impacting the ability of the municipalities to invest in other initiatives.
Background
In the summer of 2021 the West Carling Association (WCA) sent three letters to Carling Council expressing WCA’s concerns about the original 4-lane complex as below:
In September 2021 Carling Council voted to join the pool partnership agreement to build a facility with a 4-lane pool to be located in Parry Sound and not to exceed $32MM for design and construction. Carling took on an additional share of the costs from 9.2% to 10.5% to compensate for the Municipality of Whitestone (Whitestone) capping its commitment and the Township of McKellar (McKellar) reducing its pledged percentage. Whitestone did not sign as a partner in the project. Voting at the WPSRCCB is weighted according to each partner’s share as stated in the partnership agreement. For its 10.5% share of the costs Carling has one vote of the 12 available votes among 6 partners, leaving Carling with little capacity to influence decision-making.
At the December meeting of the WPSRCCB the representative from McKellar abstained from the vote to support the project expansion. On January 24th, 2023, McKellar passed a resolution to engage a legal firm to conduct a review of the project partnership agreement, specifically in relation to the McKellar’s financial commitments, other responsibilities and the extent of said commitments or obligations moving forward.
What are the WCA’s specific concerns?
Capital Costs
In 2019 and again in 2021 the capital cost of the 4-lane centre was projected at approximately $32MM. We are now informed that the addition of 2 lanes would be an additional $1.9MM. In 2019, the projected capital cost for a 6-lane pool complex was $36MM. At the WPSRCCB meeting on December 14th, the Chairperson, Donald Sanderson stated that construction costs had recently risen 35% to 45%. A February 2023 report from Statistics Canada shows an average rise of 33.3% in the Building and Construction Price Index (BCPI) and, as high as 46% in Ontario for non-residential buildings since 2017. Using a conservative estimate of a 35% rise in construction costs on a $32MM build would put the cost of a 6-lane pool at $45MM (1.35 x $32MM) not $32MM and not $32MM plus $1.9MM.
Operating Deficit
In 2021, the annual operating loss was reported at $300,000 (Carling’s share $31,500). The information shared at the December WPSRCCB meeting, projected an annual operating deficit of $450,000 (after fundraising) to cover the cost of expanding the pool to 6-lanes. Factoring in the capital reserve fund of $400,000, administrative fees of $250,000 along with another potential cost of $350,000 built into the agreement for “additions to the site”(e.g., an outdoor skating rink) of up to $350,000 annually (as adjusted by the annual BCPI for Ontario) there is potential for the operating deficit to be a minimum of $1.45MM (Carling’s share could increase to $152,000 not $31,500 as was previously reported to Carling residents in 2021. As well, in 2021, Carling’s Chief Administrative Officer projected the operating deficit for a for a 4-lane pool at $2MM overall.
Revenues and Fundraising
The YMCA recently advised the WPSRCCB that a large facility with a 6-lane pool is not sustainable in an area of less than 30,000 people. The WPSRCCB reports the current population of the pool catchment area at 19,867 and stated that it will reach the target population by 2036. Not only could this mean lower revenue from memberships until at least 2036; the prediction of population growth reported at the December 14th meeting is speculative and requires more analysis. YMCAs in nearby communities have seen decreasing memberships and been forced to close. The existing YMCA in Parry Sound closed its gym in 2020. Based on similar YMCA facilities, a family membership fee for the Centre (2 adults and 1 or more children) could be $2000 annually.
Expansion from a 4-lane to a 6-lane pool is dependent on fundraising to pay for the additional two lanes – $10MM ($5MM for capital and $5MM for the operating deficit). We are concerned that fundraising will be challenging. Barrie, with a population of over 212,000, with higher household incomes, and a much larger commercial tax base recently cancelled its pool project after it raised only about $7MM in 2 years.
Questions to ask the WPSRCC Board
Competition pools require different standards (must be dug deeper and wider than the original 4-lane pool). What additional assessment has been done on the Smith Crescent property (particularly recent soil samples) to determine the suitability of the property to accommodate the expanded project?
Questions to ask Carling Council
What are the next steps for WCA?
If you have any questions or concerns we encourage you to reach out to Carling Council (including Mayor Susan Murphy) at smurphy@carling.ca and/or the WPSRCC Board at
info@wpspoolandrec.ca with any comments or concerns.
* To view the December 14th, 2022 meeting of the pool board it is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lpi4L_BL6w&t=157s
**For more detailed information on fundraising go to the project fundraising website: https://wpspoolandrec.ca/
GBA has an opening for a Project Coordinator to support our Vision 2050 project. We are offering a six-month, part-time contract position that requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This vital role offers the opportunity to actively participate in a major, forward-looking initiative that aims to protect Georgian Bay’s eastern and northern coasts for generations to come. The project coordinator will work with the Vision 2050 Steering Committee, comprised of a senior team of experts and seasoned GBA volunteers. You will also liaise with other Georgian Bay partner organizations and stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting the project’s management and organization, participating in and organizing project meetings, developing communications materials and supporting outreach about the project, working on environmental policy notes, and participating in project activities. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills for this role. Knowledge of the Georgian Bay region and a background in the environmental or planning fields, whether through educational or professional experience, would be considered valuable assets. For more information on Vision 2050, see https://georgianbay.ca/georgian-bay-vision-2050-project/ If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact: Allison Needham at executivedirector@georgianbay.ca
A retired nurse and her husband have come forward alleging they are out $168,000 after paying LOTB (Live On The Bay), a Port Severn company, for a floating home that was never delivered. The couple claim they entered into a contract with LOTB in 2022 and that despite repeated promises, their float home was never built, and they have yet to receive a refund. LOTB’s website showcases various float home models and claims its homes comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal laws. However recent regulatory changes have restricted mooring on public lands, lake beds, and Parks Canada managed waterways. GBA and the Floating Homes not Vessels Coalition have been actively advocating for the need for proper regulation of floating homes to address the safety and environmental concerns presented by these units. These floating homes cannot move on their own, and must be towed or pushed into their location and use spuds for mooring. Black water, grey water, garbage disposal and lakebed damage lead the list of environmental concerns. Read more here.
A Remembrance Day Service will be held on November 11 at the Carling Community Centre. The service will start at 10:45 a.m., and light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
As of April 1, 2024, new Detachment Boards are being established across Ontario. A 12-member Board is being established for the West Parry Sound Area. What’s Happening? The West Parry Sound OPP Detachment serves Carling Township, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Municipality of McDougall, McKellar Township, Town of Parry Sound, Seguin Township, The Archipelago Township, and Municipality of Whitestone. One member is appointed be each of the representing municipalities and First Nations. Additionally, two community representatives will be selected by the member municipalities and First Nations along with two members appointed by the Minister. Be a Community Representative! We’re recruiting two community representatives for the Board for the remainder of this current term of Council (October 26, 2026). This is your chance to take an active role in hearing community concerns and addressing them with the Detachment Commander or their designate. It is an opportunity to determine objectives and priorities for the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment to enhance the quality of life and ensure safety and security in the community. What will the Successful Candidate need to Provide? The successful candidate must provide a clean criminal record check and complete mandatory provincial training. How to Apply: Submit your letter of interest along with your criminal record check to: Lori West Administrator, West Parry Sound OPP Detachment Board 5 Barager Blvd. McDougall ON P2A 2W9 lwest@mcdougall.ca Deadline: All applications/current criminal records checks must be received by December 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Make a difference in your community! Apply today and help shape the future of policing in West Parry Sound! Click Here for More Information
Get ready for BAYSCAPES! Our fall fundraiser, Bayscapes, will be back at Toronto's Wychwood Barns on November 22nd. Join us for an evening celebrating Georgian Bay with art, entertainment, and friends old and new. And once again, you’ll be able to bid on the amazing paintings, photographs, items and experiences in the online auction from anywhere in the world. BAYSCAPES PARTY Friday, November 22nd, 7-10 pm Wychwood Barns 601 Christie Street, Toronto Tickets: $80 until November 8th / $100 regular / $40 under 40 ONLINE AUCTION Friday November 15th, 12 noon – Saturday November 23rd, 5 pm Follow @gblandtrust on Instagram to preview the amazing art! The Bayscapes party will feature food, drink, and musical entertainment from Fried Up Fred & Co., plus the opportunity to see some of the Bayscapes art in person. All bidding on auction items will take place in the online auction. Proceeds from both events support the Georgian Bay Land Trust's work to protect nature on Georgian Bay. Buy your tickets to the party Buy your tickets by November 8th to take advantage of the early bird rate of $80! To purchase tickets by phone, contact Suzanne at (416) 440-1519 x107.
The Township has received complaints and listened to concerns regarding the floating cottages, also known as “Vessels,” in our area. Carling is not alone with these issues, as they occur in many areas of the province. Unfortunately, these matters fall outside municipal jurisdiction, with enforcement primarily resting with the provincial and federal governments. The good news is that in 2023, the Provincial Public Lands Act was amended to specifically address this issue, regulating vessels that are used “more for accommodation than navigation.” The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has the authority to deal with this matter. Conservation Officers and MNR Staff are actively investigating the complaints made. Carling has communicated with our Local MPP, the Minister for the MNR, to ensure appropriate action is being taken. The Minister has assured us that the MNR is actively investigating the complaints in Carling and that the regulation will be enforced. The Federal Government also has a role in these matters as Transport Canada issues the vessel registrations while Ocean and Fisheries monitor impacts to the water from these “Vessels”. Township staff are monitoring the situation and will remain in contact with the appropriate enforcement agencies as we share everyone’s concerns. If you have further comments or complaints, please contact the MNR Tips line at 1-877-847-7667 or Transport Canada at 1-877-242-8770 or vr-ib@tc.gc.ca
Please be aware that the waste site hours this weekend are different form the regularly scheduled hours. We are keeping at least one site open each day. On Saturday both sites will be open from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Sunday the Killbear site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Carling site will be closed. On Monday the Carling site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Killbear Site will be closed. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Weekend.
Read the Fall issue of Shorelines here.
Help GBA celebrate and inspire environmental stewardship in our communities. Nominations are open for GBA’s inaugural Champion of the Bay Award. This award will recognize our outstanding community members who actively steward Georgian Bay and promote environmental well-being. We want to recognize champions from each GBA association and ultimately crown an overall Champion of the Bay. Anyone can nominate a deserving individual, and no effort is too small, so don't hesitate to nominate someone who makes a difference! The nomination deadline is October 19, 2024.