Report to: General Committee                                Date Report Authored: December 14, 2009

 

 

SUBJECT:                          Saint Robert Artificial Turf Field and Air Supported Structure (RInC Fund) Update

PREPARED BY:               Martin Barrow, Project Manager

 

                                 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

1)                  THAT the report and presentation titled “Saint Roberts Artificial Turf Field and Air Supported Structure (RInC Fund) Update” be received; and,

 

2)                  THAT the conceptual site plan as presented herein for the Saint Robert Artificial Turf Field and Air Supported Structure be approved in principle; and,

 

3)                  THAT staff proceed with detailed design work, preparation of working drawings, tendering, and tender award as required to insure that construction of this facility commences as soon as possible; and,

 

4)                  THAT staff be delegated authority for site plan approvals; and,    

 

5)                  THAT staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the status of this project, seek council approval to proceed with preparation of detailed design and working drawings, tender preparation and release, and to delegate site plan approval to staff.

 

BACKGROUND:

In September 2009, Council approved funding for three applications for the 2009 Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program. The projects included: Saint Robert artificial turf and air supported structure project, indoor tennis courts at Angus Glen Community Centre, and the Civic Centre outdoor skating rink project.

 

The St. Robert artificial field project is being built in cooperation with the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) and the Town of Markham.  The YCDSB has provided the land for the project and funding has been provided by the Federal Government, Provincial Government, and the Town of Markham who have contributed $1 million, $1 million, and $1.2 million respectively.

 

Saint Robert Catholic High School was the first Catholic High School in York Region. Originally built in 1975, the school has had a number of additions over the years and now accommodates 1400 students. The school currently has a full size natural grass soccer field behind the school which is maintained and permitted by the Town of Markham. This “upper field” is surrounded by the schools running track and is home to several soccer users including the Thornhill Soccer Club.  The new artificial turf field and bubble will be built on the lower soccer field/baseball diamond, which has been inactive for a number of years.  A new artificial field (with lighting) will give the Thornhill Community a much needed soccer field and the addition of the bubble will allow for year round opportunities to play.

 

The project includes the following elements:

  • Construction of a full size 100m x 60m artificial turf field with lighting.
  • Construction of a year round clubhouse which will include change rooms, washrooms, storage, office space, etc.
  • Air supported structure (bubble) to cover 1/3 of the artificial turf field in the winter and allow for year round play.

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Shared Use and Maintenance Agreement

Staff has been working with representatives of the York Catholic District School board on a shared use and maintenance agreement.  A report will be brought forward in the first quarter of 2010 outlining the details of the agreement.

 

Amendment to Site Plan Control Agreement

The new artificial turf field and air supported structure will be located on private property under the ownership of the YCDSB, therefore the Board is required to apply for an amendment to the existing Site Plan Control Agreement.  In order to expedite the planning approval process, the YCDSB has agreed to sign off on the site plan application acknowledging the Town of Markham as their agent. 

 

It has been brought to our attention that St. Roberts C.H.S. is located within the Hydro corridor to the south side of the 407 on land which, although privately owned, has been designated as green belt by the Province.  Therefore, the amendment to the site plan control agreement will require the Provinces approval.  Staff has already been in contact with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and is seeking their approval for the project.

 

New Clubhouse Construction

It was initially planned that existing portables would be used in the construction of the new clubhouse.  After inspection of the portables it was decided that there was mold present in these structures and they had deteriorated to the point that it was not feasible to consider for use as a clubhouse facility.  Due to the tight timeline of the RInC projects, the Architect is proposing that we use a pre-manufactured wall construction that can be built off site and assembled at the school in an effort to expedite construction of the clubhouse. 

 

As the largest soccer club and primary user of fields in the Thornhill area, staff has met with the Thornhill Soccer Club and have reached consensus on all elements to be included in the design of the new field and clubhouse.

 

 

 

Staff to be Delegated Authority for Site Plan Approval

Due to the tight schedule associated with this project and that this project is located on private land requiring only an amendment to an existing Site Plan Control Agreement, authorization for site plan approval should be delegated to staff.  This will significantly decrease the amount of time required to obtain site plan approval, thus decreasing the risk that this project will not be completed by the March 31, 2011 deadline.  Council will be kept informed of the progress through regular updates.

 

COMMUNICATION PLAN:

Project signage will be erected on the Saint Robert site indicating that this is a joint venture between the Town of Markham and the YCDSB with funding from the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments. An Infrastructure Fair will occur in January on all projects as well as a ground breaking ceremony at the school in the spring.

 

Timeline:

-         Detailed design – January 2010

-         Tender release  - February 2010

-         Award report to Council – April 2010

-         Construction commences – May 2010

-         Substantial completion – October 2010

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Capital Account #70-5350-9526-005 has been established to fund the “Saint Robert Artificial Turf Field and Air Supported Structure” project.  The estimated project cost is $3.2 million and there are sufficient funds allocated to complete the project satisfactorily.

 

A project budget snapshot is included in Attachment ‘A’ of this report. 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS:

Not Applicable

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Saint Roberts artificial turf field and air supported structure will support recommendations anticipated within the Integrated Leisure Master Plan.

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance, Building Standards, Planning & Urban Design

 

 

RECOMMENDED

                            BY:    ________________________          ________________________

                                      Paul Ingham                                        Brenda Librecz

                                      General Manager                                Commissioner of

                                      Operations                                         Community & Fire Services

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

 

Attachment ‘A’ – Project Budget Snapshot

Attachment ‘B’ – Conceptual Site Plan

Attachment ‘A’

 

St. Robert's Soccer Field

 

 

 

 

Preliminary Cost Estimate

 

 

 

 

(Budget $3.2 million)

 

 

 

21-Dec-09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item

Unit

Unit Price

Quantity

 Total

1.

Demolition, earth works, field sub-drainage, lighting, fencing

 

 

 

 $    1,000,000.00

2.

Supplied air supported structure

 

 

 

    $       375,000.00

3.

Bubble installation

 

 

 

$        25,000.00

4.

Grade beam

 

 

 

 $       125,000.00

5.

Supply and install artificial turf

 

 

 

 $       350,000.00

6.

Field house

 

 

 

 $       625,000.00

7.

Servicing (storm and sanitary)

 

 

 

 T.B.D.

8.

Gas line (Enbridge)

lm

$32.00

262.00

 $          8,384.00

9.

Gas pressure station

 

Allowance

 

 $          6,000.00

10.

Asphalt / concrete paving

 

 

 

 $        80,000.00

11.

Trees and sod

 

 

 

 T.B.D.

12.

Retaining wall

 

 

 

 T.B.D.

13.

Furnishings

 

 

 

 T.B.D.

14.

Project design and contract administration fees

 

 

 

 $       147,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

 $    2,741,384.00