On Monday, council will debate a pair of conditions set to guide its approach to Active Communities Alberta’s proposal to build a $6-million outdoor recreation and community hub in St. Albert.
The facility would operate year-round, with two refrigerated outdoor rinks which will be used for various sports and activities the other half of the year. Active Communities signed a 35-year lease agreement with St. Albert Public School Division in October for land behind Paul Kane High School. In return, the division will have exclusive access to the facility during the school day.
Coun. Mike Killick put forward a motion for Jan. 31 that includes two conditions for Active Communities to adhere to before the city considers its request for financial support: Active Communities will have to fund a third-party independent financial review of its proposal, and raise a minimum of $3 million from other sources towards the project.
Matt Bachewich, Active Communities president, said his organization has already raised $500,000 towards the recreation hub. He said Active Communities is exploring “all fundraising avenues,” includes various levels of government.
“We’re excited that the city may be interested in providing support for this project and helping bring it to life,” Bachewich said.
When asked how much Active Communities requested from the city when they shared their business case, Bachewich said the dollar amount would be "a future discussion point.”
When asked whether Active Communities will qualify for funding if they are able to secure a municipal commitment, Bachewich said municipal funding isn’t necessary for grants, but noted the city’s support can have a positive impact when other levels of government consider the proposal.
Killick spoke in favour of Active Communities’ former St. Albert project — a $42-million multi-use recreation facility — when the city was looking to collaborate with the organization in the past.
In 2020, St. Albert city council backed out of a memorandum with Active Communities that would have seen the city fund $20 million of the $42-million project in the city’s northwest. Concerns councillors voiced at the time surrounded financial risks due to COVID-19, and the importance of prioritizing an indoor pool with recreation planning.
Active Communities officially approached city council with the new proposal in November of last year. Killick noted the organization’s current plan is “significantly revised and downscale,” and that he is looking forward to council’s discussion.
Bachewich said the current project is timely, and that with land secured, will move forward “more quickly.”
“We recognize that the outdoor recreation facility is well positioned to address the needs of the community in a more immediate fashion,” Bachewich said. “The pandemic has had significant mental, social, and physical health impacts, and we think that this facility will be a huge support in our community’s recovery.”
He said Active Communities is particularly appreciative of its collaboration with St. Albert Public Schools.
“This project is going to benefit thousands of youth and residents throughout our community for generations,” Bachewich said.
Michael Brenneis, district secretary treasurer for St. Albert Public, said the outdoor facility has a lot of potential for the school division.
“There’s just numerous opportunities to integrate with the regular physical education curriculum, as well as extra-curricular sports,” Brenneis said. “Then once you get into the warmer months, it has a lot of potential for other school events … as well as perhaps some cultural activities as well.”
He said the division wishes Active Communities well in its fundraising efforts.
“To have access to that type of facility would be very exciting for schools and for students,” Brenneis said.
