What's Next for the Memorial Arena?

Introduction
The Town of Cobourg respectfully acknowledges that we are located in the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.

The Town of Cobourg respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations have been stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters, and that today remain vigilant over their health and integrity for generations to come. We are all Treaty people.

Background
The Cobourg Memorial Arena was built, approximately, in 1949 with a portion rebuilt in 1952 after it was destroyed by fire. Additions to the main building took place in 1992 and 1997. This arena is not considered accessible by current standards as outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

A Condition Assessment of the Memorial Arena was completed by Pinchin Ltd, in February 2018 as part of the Town of Cobourg's asset management plan. This report included specialist reviews of the mechanical, electrical, fire and life safety systems, AODA and code compliance. As detailed in the Pinchin report, the Memorial Arena would require significant repairs and improvements to infrastructure including enhancements to accessibility to continue operation in a similar capacity. Both arena buildings have solar panel installations on the roof that are connected together and to the grid. The solar installation contract term runs until September 17, 2035.

In 2018, the Pinchin report estimated $6,127,195 in immediate and long-term repairs to maintain the building for its present function in 2018. Given the future capital costs, the challenges of bringing the facility into AODA compliance and the low utilization, the Memorial Arena was decommissioned as an arena in 2019. The operating costs for the Memorial Arena and site in 2022 are $102,250.

Memorial Arena Ad-Hoc Committee
In August of 2019, the Memorial Arena Ad-Hoc Committee (The Committee) was struck to assist the Town of Cobourg in reimagining the Memorial Arena.

The Committee will provide Council with a shortlist of three to six options for the Memorial Arena that:

• Meet the needs of the community
• Are financially viable, and
• Align with the Town of Cobourg’s Strategic Plan

To fulfill this mandate, the Committee will:

• Identify and consider the needs of the community
• Consider the Memorial Arena Property Condition Assessment 2018
• Review and tour the Memorial Arena building and site
• Consider the site in relation to the present and potential use of the adjacent Jack Heenan Arena, other area development plans, and the Town’s Zoning By-law and Official Plan
• Consider successful examples of arena repurposing from other municipalities
• Consider the Town of Cobourg’s commitment to sustainability
• Encourage and receive public submissions of ideas and suggestions for the site
• Consider a range of opportunities which may include, but are not limited to:
  • Alternative recreational or cultural uses
  • Community partnerships opportunities
  • The disposal or development of the site
• Consider the financial feasibility of each option with input from the Town’s Finance Department
• Document the potential advantages and disadvantages of each shortlisted option
• Consider other matters as referred to the Committee by Council

Public Engagement Objective
The objective for the What's Next for the Memorial Arena public engagement project is to:

• Inform residents of the Committee's mandate and work
• Gather feedback from residents including their ideas for the site, questions and comments.

We're looking for your feedback
To share your thoughts on What's Next for the Memorial Arena, please contribute to the following public engagement opportunities below, including:

• Complete the Survey.
• Participate in the Forum.
• Attend a Site Visit: May 4, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., 206 Furnace Street
• Delegation to the Memorial Arena Ad-Hoc Committee:
  • Members of the public may also present their recommendations to the Memorial Arena Ad-Hoc Committee. To request a delegation please complete the Delegation Request Form and submit it to the Municipal Clerk's Department.
  • Meeting dates:
    • May 11, 2022 at 7 p.m. (Delegation request must be submitted by May 6)
    • May 18, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. (Delegation request must be submitted by May 13)

Other Consultation
The Memorial Arena site has also been identified during the municipal land inventory report and corresponding Potential Affordable Housing Sites community engagement project. Residents are encouraged to submit comments for one or both consultations as they choose.

If you require any of the information in an accessible format, please contact the Communications Department at communications@cobourg.ca.