New facility in Fort Simpson's future
Village applies to access dollars for new recreation centre
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 29, 2015
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson has taken the first steps toward building a new fitness facility.
The current recreation centre in Fort Simpson does not meet all the village's recreational needs, according to council. A new fitness centre is on the way for the community. - April Hudson/NNSL photo
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With an estimated price tag of $550,000, the two-storey structure would likely be built directly beside the community swimming pool and could be finished as soon as October 2016, according to a timeline set out by the village.
On Oct. 20, the village decided to apply through the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to access the Small Communities Fund, which could cover up to $412,500 of capital costs. Under the Small Communities Fund, funding is given on a 75-25 basis, leaving the village with $137,500 to cover.
"We want to at least put in place the possibility for some work to be done, using the contribution of capital dollars from the Small Communities Fund," said Mayor Sean Whelly, adding floor plans have already been developed.
"The new council will probably be able to take those to the public and get more input on the eventual final design."
Initially, the village estimated the structure would cost $300,000, but the price was hiked to $550,000 to provide a more realistic estimate.
Village SAO Beth Jumbo said money only covers construction, leaving it up to the village to furnish the place.
She noted she has been looking for other funding sources as well.
"When looking at the design for this fitness centre, I think it's well planned out. In this space, every possible inch seems to be utilized," she said.
The village has yet to nail down all the details of the design, which could include an upstairs running track, front atrium and healthy food stand. The building could also utilize solar heating.
Floor plans were drawn up by Guy Architects, who have already been paid in part for the designs and are contracted to receive 10 per cent of the project's total budget as payment for their services.
The village currently has enough funds available to start the project and is considering ways of consulting with the public on the facility.
