Swan Valley Rec & Wellness Centre: Update March 22, 2011

Submitted by:  Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre | To start the evening Ken Doleman, CEO of the Swan Valley Credit Union announced a $100,000.00 contribution to the Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre on behalf of the Swan Valley Credit Union and their 9363 members.

The meeting was extremely well attended with standing room only after all 250 chairs were filled.

Click here to see all the detailed facts and figures from the presentation.

David Poole, Project Manager from Tower Engineering Group presented the agenda for the evening along with the vision of the project to develop a “Multipurpose facility that can be used year round to promote ongoing recreation and wellness of valley residents from all age groups.”

Peter Sampson, Architect from Peter Sampson Architect Studio | PSA Studio presented the Master Plan of the project. The site was chosen for its central location within the Valley and close proximity to the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School which represents the future of the Valley. Consideration was also given to accommodating existing community features such as the community gardens, existing grove of spruce trees and the sidewalk from the SVRSS.

The Project has been designed in multiple phases to allow for the development of components as funding is available with consideration to expanding the facility into a cohesive unit with adequate parking.

Phase 1
Includes the Aquatic Centre: a 4 lane, 25 metre lap pool with attached zero entry leisure pool, lazy river current and other water features. The optional waterslide, swirlpool, and sauna have been seperately priced.

Phase 2
Multipurpose fieldhouse and walking track.

Phase 3
Potential relocation of Parkland Regional Health Authority Health Unit from the hospital. The hospital space would be repurposed as a Doctors Clinic.

David Poole indicated that the level of government funding is almost unprecedented relative to other infrastructure projects. More information regarding project costs and funding can be found at http://www.swanvalleyrecandwellness.com/.

The annual operating costs of the facility are projected to be $634,325 with projected revenue of $279,250.   Both the estimates on operating cost and projected revenue are very conservative, representing the worst case scenario.  If the $355,075 operating deficit were to be shared by the Town of Swan River, RM of Swan River and RM of Minitonas at a rate of $100 per household, the proportionate share would be:
$189,000 Town of Swan River
$104,000 RM of Swan River
$ 38,500 RM of Minitonas

The Town of Swan River has proposed an increase of 1.83 mills
– your increase in taxes = 0.00183 x Portioned Assessment (not total assessment)

The RM of Swan River has proposed an increase of 0.984 mills on the municipal portion
Impact on Municipal Taxes:
1/4 section of farmland with $100,000 assessment $25.58 per year ($0.16 per acre)
Home/acerage with $100,000 assessment $44.28 per year

The RM of Minitonas has proposed, subject to approval by their residents, an increase of 0.69 mills
– your increase in taxes = 0.00069 x Portioned Assessment

It was noted that with the debenture for natural gas ending there would be no increase in taxes for Minitonas residents if the Recreation and Wellness increase was implemented in its place.

Fundraising efforts are ongoing. Corporate sponsors are being approached and additional government funding is being explored. The Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre is also looking for members of the 2740 Club.  $1million can be raised with 2740 individuals donating $1 per day for 1 year.  Click here for more info on the 2740 Club.