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CS&P Architects (in association with Tatham Engineering) was retained through an RFP process to conduct due diligence work which included the development of preliminary capital and operating cost estimates, recommendations with respect to site selection and providing advice on amenities and programming. They worked closely with the Citizens Advisory Committee and the YMCA throughout the process. CS&P Architects is a diverse, award-winning architecture and design studio recognized for some of the most widely appreciated community, civic, institutional and learning-based spaces in Canada.
 

The upset limit (maximum cost) of the project is $31.8M and will be funded as follows:

The Government of Canada investment $12.7M (40%)
The Government of Ontario investment $10.6M (33%)
WPS Municipalities joint investment $8.5M (27%)*

 *Each participating West Parry Sound municipality has unique characteristics and local needs; therefore the amount that they will contribute will be based on population, number of households, taxable assessment and driving distance.

The project is on budget. Construction costs are capped at $32 million.  If estimates come in above that the Municipal Services Board is obligated to reverse engineer the centre to ensure that the $32 million is the upset construction cost.

No, this funding was approved specifically for the construction of a recreation and culture centre for the West Parry Sound area. The funds were awarded because the project as proposed is in line with provincial and federal priorities.

On June 7, 2021, The Government of Canada announced over $12.7 million in funding for the construction of a new recreation facility in the Town of Parry Sound through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario also committed to providing $10.6 million.

Please note that we have not yet finalized the building's design. Partners are committed to creating an innovative, efficient and future-friendly space.

The conceptual design of this new facility features a 25-metre, multi-lane lap pool, and a warm water therapy/leisure pool. It will also include a gym, fitness and conditioning centre and studio, an indoor walking track, various multi-purpose rooms, spaces for Indigenous programming, and inclusive change rooms.

A multi-use facility will provide the greatest return on investment for the greatest number of residents. The pool will be the most costly component. Including these other features will ensure that this facility will serve people across the lifespan –from babies, to young adults, to seniors. The facility will allow those who prefer activities like weight training, fitness classes and walking to benefit from the physical and mental health benefits of being active beyond the pool.  This facility will also create community connections through cultural programming and provide opportunities for diverse employment. The centre will also operate as a community hub to help combat social isolation experienced by many in the community, including seniors, teens and new mothers.
 

Seven West Parry Sound municipalities –  the Township of The Archipelago, Carling Township, McDougall Township, McKellar Township, the Town of Parry Sound, Seguin Township and the Municipality of Whitestone – as well as the First Nation communities of Wasauksing and Shawanaga are collaborating to build a recreation and wellness centre.

The YMCA offers financial assistance for those who cannot afford the full cost of membership fees. If/when the cost of a YMCA membership is higher than that of a private gym, it is often because a pool costs more to operate than simply maintaining a gym, weight room, etc. Also YMCA memberships include access to all classes, which is not always the case at private gyms. The YMCAs membership model is designed to cover full operating costs of the asset.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a key partner on the project. The facility will be operated using the YMCA's membership model and the Y will lead day-to-day operations Anyone with a YMCA membership, including seasonal residents, can access programs and services at the West Parry Sound Recreation and Culture Centre, and members of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Culture Centre will have reciprocal access to YMCAs across the country. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity with an over 100 year history of building healthy communities through a wide variety of programs and services. 

To learn more, go to www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca