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DEPUTATION REGARDING MOTION 17-G-274, FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING A POTENTIAL FAMILY ORIENTED SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY IN THE CITY OF BARRIE.
Pursuant to Section 4.16 of Procedural By-law 2013-072 as amended, City Council considered a request by Cathy Colebatch to provide emergency deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-274 regarding a Feasibility Study regarding a Potential Family Oriented Sports and Entertainment Facility in the City of Barrie. Upon a vote of City Council being taken, Cathy Colebatch was permitted to address City Council
1. Alan McNair on behalf of the Brereton Field Naturalists’ Club (BFNC) provided a deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-274 concerning a Feasibility Study regarding a Potential Family Oriented Sports and Entertainment Facility in the City of Barrie. Mr. McNair provided a historical background of the Brereton Field Naturalists’ Club and their long history of working with the City of Barrie. He indicated that the City of Barrie has already budgeted in 2017 for an update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Mr. McNair indicated that this would be an ideal time to consider future sports facilities. He commented that the terms of reference for the Working Group/Task Force should exclude the Waterfront parkland for the proposed stadium. Mr. McNair questioned who would decide the composition of the Working Group/Task Force. Mr. McNair advised that the Brereton Field Naturalists’ Club actively participated during the consultation process in the development the Waterfront and Marina Strategic Plan and that a stadium was not referenced during this process. He commented that he felt that there is no need to conduct further consultation for a use such as this on the waterfront.
Mr. Nair commented that Council had already committed to investigate a fundraising strategy to offset any capital and operating costs for the Fisher Auditorium. He commented the Brereton Field Naturalist’s Club supported Council’s decision to restore the Fisher Auditorium. Mr. McNair noted his concerns that pursuing similar funding sources for the stadium may impact funding opportunities for the Fisher Theatre.
Mr. McNair advised that he felt that no waterfront parkland should be given up for developing parking lots or building major facilities. Mr. McNair discussed his concerns regarding the unnecessary use of taxpayer dollars and that any investigation of such a facility should take place as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.
Mr. McNair requested that if Council proceeds with the recommendation by General Committee that consideration be given to ensuring the process is transparent and that the City own the process and report the City fund this effort to a maximum of $50,000 for all external and internal resources and that the financial information associated with the stadium project.
Mr. McNair provided details related to the ecological importance of the proposed waterfront site. He noted the potential impacts of the proposed stadium associated with Military Heritage Park and the environment.
In closing, Mr. McNair reiterated his suggestion that consideration of a stadium should be included in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and his items to be considered as part of the proposed study process. He stated that a waterfront location not be considered for the stadium.
2. Cathy Colebatch provided a deputation in opposition to motion 17-G-274 concerning a Feasibility Study regarding a Potential Family Oriented Sports and Entertainment Facility in the City of Barrie. Ms. Colebatch thanked Mr. Massie for an impressive vision for a new Sports and Entertainment Facility in the City of Barrie. Ms. Colebatch expressed her concerns associated with the allocation of $50,000 for the external consultants/contractors. She questioned whether the City of Barrie would be able to sustain the proposed facility.
Ms. Colebatch noted that she was pleased that the community would be consulted as part of the process. She commented that her main concern was related to the $50,000 for external consultants/contractors. She indicated that she felt that the private/individual groups should provide this funding. Ms. Colebatch questioned how much Mr. Massie and his team would be contributing towards the project.
In closing, Ms. Colebatch requested that Council consider reducing the funding allocation from $50,000 to $25,000. She noted she felt that was important that this the study is a transparent process.