Work set to begin on new rec complex

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Sabine Gibbins

EMC News - A groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of the development of the future Kanata North Recreation Complex.

A crowd of supporters and community leaders gathered at the site of the recreation complex (4104 Innovation Drive) on Wednesday, Dec. 21 for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Presiding over the ceremonies was ward 4 Kanata North councillor Marianne Wilkinson and Mayor Jim Watson.

Originally a $49.14 million project, that number was reduced to $43.14 million when the National Capital Region YMCA/YWCA announced earlier last year it would no longer be able to provide $6 million ($5 million toward the building and $1 million toward equipment) for the project. This shortfall resulted in city staff redesigning initial plans for the facility, plans that were presented during a public open house at the Mlacak Centre on Tuesday, May 10.

"As a community, we are very pleased and very happy with this redesign," remarked Steve Mason, a member of the KNRC community steering committee. "I'm very satisfied with the work the architect has done."

The new KNRC budget will allow for an eight-lane swimming pool, a skate plaza, a water play area, play structures, two soccer fields, two full-size gymnasiums with changing areas, community program spaces, two basketball courts, a fitness centre and more. The original plan also called for a jogging/running track, but this is no longer a part of the new plan.

"The city is committed to creating spaces for residents to meet, play and grow close to home," said Watson. "The Kanata North Recreation Complex will be a welcome addition for residents and families in one of our fastest-growing communities."

The complex is slated to open by the fall of 2013.

"I'm excited to see construction start on a much-needed recreation hub in the west end," said Wilkinson. "Kanata residents can be very proud of this wonderful new facility."

"As a community, we are very pleased and very happy with this redesign," remarked Steve Mason, a member of the KNRC community steering committee, in a past interview with the EMC. "I'm very satisfied with the work the architect has done."

The new KNRC budget will allow for an eight-lane swimming pool, a skate plaza, a water play area, play structures two soccer fields, two full-size gymnasiums with changing areas, community program spaces, two basketball courts, a fitness centre and more.

The $43 million project will include a 90,000-sq. ft. building with a 25-metre, eight-lane indoor pool, a leisure/therapeutic pool, two gymnasia, a fitness centre and several multi-purpose rooms. Outside, the complex will have children's play areas, including water play, a basketball court, a skate park and two sports fields.

The Recreation Complex will offer a variety of programs geared to all age groups, from pre-school children to seniors, at the introductory, intermediate, general interest and specialized levels.

The complex is designed to meet LEED GOLD certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED certification is accredited to buildings that have interior and exterior designs that promote green building practices. The new facility will have a number of green features that promote energy efficiency and reduced water use.

The complex will also have four permanent and distinct public art commissions by artists Jean-Yves Vigneau, Maskull Lasserre and the team of Anna Williams and Erin Robertson, selected through a public art competition earlier this year. A fourth artist will be selected in the spring of 2012 to integrate public art into the design of the outdoor skate park.

Wilkinson worked with a local volunteer steering committee to raise funds for enhancements to the facility such as the creation of a sculpture garden and additional lanes for the indoor pool.

The City will soon finalize a sponsorship agreement with the Richcraft Group of Companies to rename the facility the Richcraft Recreation Complex - Kanata. This agreement will provide $500,000 for the City to establish additional facilities as requested by the community.