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Report to: General Committee                              Date Report Authored: January 20, 2011

 

 

SUBJECT:                         Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games – Markham Venues

PREPARED BY:              Brenda Librecz, Commissioner Community & Fire Services    

                                            Mary Creighton, Director of Recreation Services

                                            Colin Service, Manager Planning & Policy

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

1)                  THAT the PAN AM Pool be located at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library;

 

2)                  AND THAT a Field house/Gymnasium Facility be constructed by the Town of Markham at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library that would meet the international standards for Badminton.  This facility will be offered to Toronto 2015 for consideration as the host venue for badminton;

 

3)                  AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into required agreements with Toronto 2015 and other parties as necessary to secure these facilities as host venues for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games;

 

4)                  AND THAT Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

On January 10, 2011 a workshop was held with members of Council concerning Markham’s involvement in the 2015 PAN AM Games.  Toronto 2015 expressed serious concerns about the Markham Centre site on the south side of YMCA Blvd as the location for a Water Polo and Field house Facility. 

 

Council requested that two alternative sites be reviewed with Toronto 2015 to determine suitability for the Games.  These sites were at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library and an alternative site in Markham Centre.  A thorough review has been completed.  Both sites were deemed acceptable by Toronto 2015.

 

In a situation where multiple sites are deemed acceptable, Toronto 2015 has very clearly stated that the site selection is then left to the Municipality.  Therefore the legacy needs of the facility are a key consideration for the Town in determining site location.

 

By locating the Pan Am facility at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, there are significant financial and community service benefits that align with the recently approved Integrated Leisure Master Plan.  As such, Staff are recommending that the Pan Am Facility be located at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library.

1. Purpose  2. Background  3. Discussion  4. Financial 

 

5. Others (HR, Strategic, Affected Units)  6. Attachment(s)

 

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s approval on key decisions related to the hosting of 2015 PAN AM Games in order to meet deadlines set forth by the Toronto 2015 Committee and Infrastructure Ontario (IO).   Toronto 2015 has issued a formal request to provide final site confirmation on January 25, 2011.

 

BACKGROUND:

On January 10, 2011 a workshop was held with members of Council concerning Markham’s involvement in the 2015 PAN AM Games.  Specifically, members of Council were provided with background, site concerns brought forward by Toronto 2015 and alternative plans.  As an outcome from that workshop, staff was asked to review two alternative sites – one in Markham Centre and the other at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library with Toronto 2015 and IO and report back feedback provided on both options.

 

 

PAN AM Related Decisions made by Markham: 

Markham has been a key supporter of both the Bid Process for the Pan Am Games and as a location for several venues.  In 2009, Markham agreed to be a host for several venues in the Bid Book for the Toronto 2015 Pan American/Para Pan Games which included: Water Polo – 50 M Pool; Badminton – Bill Crothers School (has since changed); Table Tennis – Centennial Community Centre; Rugby – Fletcher’s Field (has since changed) and Practice fields for baseball, rugby and soccer.    At the October 27th, 2009 Council meeting, approval was given to sign the Multi-Party Joinder Agreement for the Water Polo and Table Tennis venues.   The agreement outlines the roles of all parties, financial and project management terms including:   

      Funding Formula – 44% municipal 56% - federal/provincial

      Ontario’s contributions for capital and operating, and the assumption of the cost of any deficit.  (Financial backstop)

      Infrastructure Ontario will undertake the construction for Pan Am Venues to ensure and manage timelines and financial targets.

      Toronto 2015 (Hostco) role includes: organize, plan, promote, finance, stage, manage and conduct the Games.  An important responsibility is for the management of the construction, renovation, and maintenance of facilities.  This would include approval for all venue locations.

      Physical Legacy- access agreement will be required for all new and renovated facilities during the games.    Establishment of Legacy Fund for major venues.  Water Polo is not included in the Legacy Fund.

      Recognition – naming rights need to be approved by Pan Am and cannot be used during the Games.  The agreement outlined conditions related to sponsorship and naming rights.

 

Originally, at the May 25th, 2010 Council meeting approval was given for the location of the Water Polo Venue at the Markham Centre (Town owned) site adjacent to YMCA.  Council also approved the inclusion of an additional 34,000 square feet for the purposes of a gymnasium/field house and multi-purpose and meeting rooms.   This additional space was not originally envisioned in the Integrated Leisure Master Plan.   The space was added based on the recommendations of the Council Steering Committee who wanted to ensure the 50 meter pool facility had additional functionality for residents and to improve the financial operating model.  

 

 

Venue Verification Process:

 

A Venue Verification Process was undertaken by the Pan Am Corporation from May to September 2010.   Venue evaluations were completed for all Competition and Training venues.   Overall, venue count has been reduced from 51sites to 43 sites through the creation of sport themed clusters.  National Sport Organizations (NSO’s) were engaged on venue reviews and potential adjustments.  On September 30th, 2010 an Interim Venue Plan was approved by the Toronto 2015 Board followed by approval by Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto.  They are in process of securing approval from Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympics Committee (CPC).  The Final Venue plan has not been approved but is proposed to be finalized at the Toronto 2015 Board meeting in late January.

 

Venue Evaluation Criteria:

The following criteria were utilized by Toronto 2015 to evaluate each venue for the 2015 Pan Am Games:

 

1.      Technical Criteria :  meets  technical  requirements - yes or no

2.      Athlete and Sport Considerations:

Ø  Distance from Athlete Village

Ø  Athlete Friendly

Ø  Sport Suitability

Ø  Sport Legacy Opportunities

 

3.TO2015 Operating Considerations:

Ø  Existing useable infrastructure

Ø  Multiple sport same site/clustering opportunity

Ø  Exclusive use flexibility and or tenant implications

Ø  Workforce or volunteer management implications

Ø  Strong staff component with venue knowledge

Ø  Space parameters – front/back of house to suite requirements

Ø  Regional context

Ø  Transit system considerations

 

 

Venue Verification impact on Markham: 

The evaluation process has resulted in changes from the venue plans as outlined in the Bid Book. 

 

 

Badminton:

As a result of the decision not to locate Badminton at Bill Crothers Secondary School, the opportunity to host Badminton in the Town’s Field house was explored.  There are clear advantages for Markham to be the host venue for Badminton in that Markham has one of the strongest Badminton communities in the country.   The Ontario Badminton Association and Markham Badminton community leaders have approached Markham to operate a facility capable of accommodating grass-roots through to international competition.  Markham has the capacity to support International Badminton from a sport tourism perspective.  Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games serve as an excellent marketing vehicle to entice further competitions and to grow the sport.  Markham has the potential to become a Centre of Excellence for Badminton. 

 

However, since Pan Am did not budget capital dollars to construct a new Badminton facility they will not contribute financially to the building construction. Therefore, Markham will have to assume 100% of the costs for the construction.   The 100% funding for the Field house was approved by Council in May 2010.  It would have been helpful to have a financial contribution from Toronto 2015 and that was pursued without success.   Toronto 2015 will outfit the Field house for Badminton with all of the mats, tables, equipment for an approximate value of $ 200,000 to $300,000 which will remain with Markham.  The international profile will also have economic benefits to local businesses and reflect well on the Town’s reputation as a great place, to live, work and play.

 

PAN AM Requirements for Water Polo and Badminton:

Staff began working with IO and Toronto 2015 in late November 2010.   B+H Architects were retained by Toronto 2015 for the design of the Markham Pool and Field house.   Experts have been retained by Toronto 2015 to provide advice on facility construction, games overlay and legacy consideration.  Staff was informed through these meetings the physical space required for staging Water Polo could be accommodated within the 50,000 sq ft of pool space provided within the functional program.  However, badminton requires 36,000 sq ft – this includes 3 show courts with appropriate spectator seating and 3 practice courts. 

 

Time Lines – Road to 2015 – PAN AM Games:

Time lines are very tight for decisions with the following key milestones:

      All venues/locations must be finalized by February 1st

      Town works with IO to complete Functional Program -   January 26, 2011

      Functional Program and Costing Report by B+H Architects– Mid Feb   - presentation to Council in February

      Design Process - February to June 2011

      RFQ (administered by IO) released in May 2011 and closes-   June 2011

      RFP is released in December 2011 (Build/Finance Model – fixed price.)

      Construction:   July 2012 to July 2014

      Projects must be completed in time to host a test event in 2014.

 

 

Alignment to Integrated Leisure Master Plan:

In April 2010, Council approved the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP). The ILMP is a living document intended to provide a guide and roadmap for Recreation, Library, Culture and Parks infrastructure needs for the next 10 years.  Within the ILMP, it was identified that additional gymnasium and multipurpose space was needed throughout the Town.  There is an opportunity to begin addressing the recommendations set forth in the ILMP while fulfilling the legacy requirements of the facility through the proposed Field house.

 

Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library was identified as having a need for gymnasium, youth and seniors rooms, and multipurpose rooms along with a need to update and renovate the existing building.  An expansion of the library was also recommended.   The need for recreational space in Markham Centre was not envisioned at that time because the Town was still pursuing the CSIO project for Markham Centre.  Adding additional functions to the Water Polo pool will add service value for residents while improving the financial operating model.    Relocating the Water Polo Pool and Field house to Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library has the potential to achieve two key objectives at one location with the potential to shift limited resources to other key priorities within the ILMP.

 

 

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

At the January 10th Council workshop with General Committee, Staff outlined the concerns expressed by Toronto 2015 about the original location put forward by the Town of Markham and requested that the Town consider an alternative site.  A summary of those issues are outlined below for your reference:

 

 

 

 

Current Location Issues:

Planning work in Markham Centre has evolved over the past six months and has had direct impact on the Pan Am site/location and has made the original plan for placement of the building more challenging.

 

At the time the site was chosen, land use and road patterns for the Markham Centre area surrounding the Town owned site had not been finalized.  A revised concept plan for the area, prepared by Calthorpe Associates working for Remington Group in consultation with the Town was considered by Council in June 2010.  The Calthorpe plan proposed several major changes including:

   A grid of roads bridging over the GO tracks;

   Raised grade elevation (±10m) of superstructure spanning tracks, with parking below;

   New East/West road connecting to Kennedy/Hwy 407 ramp at raised elevation through Town lands;

   Relocation of Rouge River tributary through Town lands  (10 meters width);

   Revised transit alignments / mobility hub location.

 

The Town retained Adamson Associates in late fall to review the East Precinct Plan/Mobility Hub to connect with the Calthorpe plan.  The Adamson Concept Plan has the following features:

   Grid pattern of roads, including the addition of a new road from 407 through Town lands over the GO lands to connect with grid pattern on western side of the GO line;

   Revised alignment for Rouge River tributary – through the Town owned lands;

   Original alignment for VIVA supported; support affirmation of the Calthorpe proposal to relocate the 407 Transit Way Station to the south side of the site;

   Revised grades for roads and adjacent parcels to span tracks and connect to Kennedy Road with structured parking.

 

Adamson site plan options are generally consistent with the Calthorpe Concept Plan.  Both plans are still in process and the Precinct Plan updates need to be brought forward for public consultation and consideration by Development Services Committee and Council.

 

According to Toronto 2015, the original site does not meet the mandatory criteria and is unacceptable for games purposes.  The Town has been encouraged to find an alternative location in Markham by January 25th 2011 for the following reasons:

         Introduction of a new road will divide the original 10 acre site reducing the buildable space to 4 acres.

         The relocation of the watercourse creates additional constraints on the east side of the site further reducing the space for both the building and games overlay.

         Parking requirements would have to be offsite separated by future road.  Access from parking to building would need a tunnel below the road.

         Grading and access constraints to the site from new road so access for legacy needs is difficult.

         Proposed future grading of surrounding streets could require pool to be raised adding additional costs not accounted in budget currently.

 

 

Alternative Location Evaluation:

As an outcome of the  January 10th, 2011 workshop held at General Committee with Council , Staff was asked to discuss two alternative sites with Toronto 2015 and IO and report back to the January 24th General Committee .  The two sites were a new Markham Centre location and the Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library.  

 

In addition to the venue evaluation criteria (noted on page 4) ,  the following considerations were reviewed by Toronto 2015 in undertaking an assessment of both locations :  site size, site configuration, risk profile of construction, risk to budget, proximity to transit, security considerations, disruption to services and legacy opportunities.

 

Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library:

 

Staff Evaluation

As discussed and presented at the workshop staff identified the following as benefits of the Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library as a location for the Pan Am Water Polo and Field house:

         Synergies and operational efficiencies with existing Community Centre & Library, including staffing, parking and common spaces;

         Legacy of the PAN AM Games addresses needs for expansion at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library as identified in the ILMP – need for gym, family change rooms in pool area, youth and senior spaces;

         Achieves multiple Town priorities from a service provision standpoint while being financially responsible;

         Operating cost savings of $300,000  per annum ;

         Transforms an older facility into a premiere facility in an area that has service gaps;

      Can be built within the prescribed timelines set forth by Toronto 2015;  

      Having two pools together – existing leisure pool and new 50 metre pool will create new opportunities to host aquatic events.

      This location scored high when the original site selection was reviewed and recommended by Council and staff committee.

 

The following were identified as possible challenges with the Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library:

      Impact to current users  and revenues during construction – may have to close down portions of the building during construction;

      Loss of green space at front and rear of building – we do not anticipate losing active field space;

      Logistical challenges of McDonald’s during the Games and during construction.

 

Toronto 2015 Evaluation

Toronto 2015 did an evaluation of the site and has deemed it as acceptable.  They noted the following key benefits:

         Synergies and operational efficiencies with existing Community Centre & Library, including staffing, parking and common spaces;

         Ability to cluster events – both Water Polo and Badminton in one location;

         Meets all technical guidelines;

         Site is capable of accommodating the building footprint with significant modifications to site configuration.

 

Toronto 2015 did express concern about the following:

         Requires a change to their draft original building configuration to accommodate functional program;

         Very tight fit with alterations to site for parking;

         Concerns with risks associated with a renovation of an existing building including impacts to budget and timelines;

         Need for amendment of existing agreements with City of Toronto – adjacent property owner to amend additional parking and internal driveway;

         Concerns about existing McDonald’s lease on site will challenge Games logistics and security requirements; major disruption/closure to facility during construction and Games operations.

 

Markham Centre Alternative Site:

 

Staff Evaluation

Staff identified the following as benefits with the Markham Centre Alternative Site:

         Civic animation of down town core in Markham Centre;

         Exceptional proximity to transit;

         Visibility from Kennedy and Hwy 407;

         High profile legacy building for Pan Am Games in Markham Centre;

 

The following were identified as possible challenges:

         Town does not currently own the property.  There are still outstanding conditions around the purchase of the land.  If the deal does not close the Town will require a Plan B – if this Markham Center alternative site was chosen and the real estate transaction is not completed, Staff need authorization to proceed immediately with Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library;

         Loss of potential revenue /investment through resale or redevelopment;

         Need for shared and potentially below grade parking as areas around the site develop;

         Realignment of site services for the existing building;

         Could impact other Town recreation priorities;

         Would require the Town to build the Field house at the same time as the Water Polo Pool under the IO funding model.  A half finished building would generate a poor profile to international media and would have a direct impact on the functional use of the building by residents;

         Cost to mitigate environmental features (i.e. watercourse and flood lines)

 

Toronto 2015 Evaluation

Toronto 2015 did an evaluation of the site and has deemed it as acceptable.  They noted the following key benefits:

         Ability to cluster events – both Water polo and Badminton;

         Close proximity to transit systems/serviced by GO Transit, VIVA and YRT;

         Visibility from Hwy 407;

         Ease of construction on a green field site – preferred construction alternative;

         Lower risk profile of construction;

         Eastern or western portions of a site are acceptable for construction – they do prefer the western portion due to its proximity to other facilities and transit;

         Sport and Games legacy in a high profile location.

 

Toronto 2015 did express concern about the following:

         There are still outstanding conditions around the purchase of the land.

 

Other Locations Evaluated:

Staff and Toronto 2015 did evaluate other sites throughout this process and were unable to find alternatives acceptable to PAN AM criteria.

The following sites did not meet the mandatory criteria:

 

1.   Markham Centre Site adjacent to the YMCA

2.   Southeast Markham

3.   Bill Crothers Secondary School

 

Therefore the only sites remaining for consideration that can meet required timelines are Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library and a new Markham Centre location.

 

Summary of Toronto 2015 Site Assessment:

Toronto 2015’s assessment of the two new site alternatives included a review of the original and alternate sites using the same criteria that has been established to evaluate all proposed Games venues, and also incorporated supplemental consideration of additional factors given the timelines for the project and the variations in the alternative sites that were identified.

 

Toronto 2015 deemed both Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library and Markham Centre as acceptable.  However, Markham Centre Site did score slightly higher on their criteria (Markham Centre scored 53 while Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library scored 44) as it would be a  new build project on a Greenfield, which  tends to be  preferable from a risk mitigation perspective.    Since both sites met minimum criteria, the final decision on site location rests with the Town of Markham.   Toronto 2015 has indicated:  “Site selection is ultimately the responsibility of the municipality and we have offered these comments from a Games perspective to assist you in making an informed decision.  The municipality will need to decide from a Legacy and planning perspective as to the best site for its long term needs.”

 

As such, legacy needs must be duly considered. 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

From a purely financial perspective there are clear financial benefits to the Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library site.

 

Capital

If the facilities are built at Markham Centre, the Water Polo Pool  and Field house would be constructed and project managed by Infrastructure Ontario at their expected total construction building costs of $73.9 million (Markham’s share would be $44.9 million) for 84,000 functional sq ft or 117,000  gross sq feet (gross size including hallways, support functions).  IO would have to build the entire facility as the two components in this scenario will be directly linked by a common spine.  The Town’s portion for Water Polo Pool will be 44% and Town portion for Field house would be 100%. .  The table below illustrates that the total cost to Markham to construct on 6 acres of land in Markham Centre would be approximately $56.8 million (this estimate includes site specific costs as well as a valuation for land of $10.5 M):

 

MARKHAM CENTRE

Net Sq Ft

IO Cost      $ per Sq Ft

Total Cost $

Town Contribution

PAN AM Contribution

Pool Facility

(50 Metre Pool)

50,000

1,037

51,830,000

22,805,200

29,024,800

Additional Multipurpose Space – field house/gym

36,000

617

22,100,000

22,100,000

Council Approved

84,000

73,930,000

44,905,200

29,024,800

 

Site Servicing

1,200,000

1,200,000

Land Costs

10,500,000

10,500,000

Contingency

200,000

200,000

Total

84,000

85,830,000

56,805,200

29,024,800

 

Annual Operating Impacts

($1.3 M)

 

If the facilities are built at Milliken Mills Community Centre, the Water Polo Pool would still be constructed and project  managed by Infrastructure Ontario a cost of $51.8 million total (Town portion = 44% at $22.8 million); staff are recommending the construction of the field house would be the responsibility of the Town with an estimated cost of $400/sq ft.  The table below illustrates that the total cost to Markham to construct the facilities at Milliken Mills CC would be approximately $41.9 million (this estimate includes site specific costs, but does not include land as there isn’t a suitable market alternative use for the space):

 

MILLIKEN MILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE & LIBRARY

Net Sq Ft

IO Cost      $ per Sq Ft

Total Cost $

Town Contribution

PAN AM Contribution

Pool Facility (50 Metre Pool)

50,000

1,037

51,830,000

22,805,200

29,024,800

Additional Multipurpose Space–field house/gym phased

36,000

400

14,400,000

14,400,000

Sub Total

86,000

65,430,000

37,205,200

29,024,800

 

Site Servicing

3,000,000

3,000,000

Contingency

1,700,000

1,700,000

Total

86,000

70,930,000

41,905,200

29,024,800

 

Annual Operating Impacts

($1.0 M)

 

By constructing the facilities at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, synergies related to use of existing full time administrative staff  would result in a reduction of $300,000 in annual operating costs (as compared to building in Markham Centre where additional staff will be required to operate and maintain a separate building). 

 

Therefore, the pure land and construction savings by building the facilities at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library are $14.9 million, comprised of $10.5 million in land and $4.4 million in construction costs.

 

Furthermore, there is an anticipated need for renovation at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library that is currently estimated at $8.6 million.  By constructing the aquatics and field house facilities at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, this renovation cost could be reduced by $5.6 million to $3.0 million through synergies resulting from newly constructed spaces (i.e. there will be no need to renovate the existing change room facilities as new facilities will be built).  This increases the total savings of constructing at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library to $20.5 million.

 

The Integrated Leisure Master Plan identified a 35,000 sq ft expansion at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library at an estimated cost of $14.0 million.  However, it definitely would not be required if the Pan Am field house was built at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library.

 

CONCLUSIONS:

 

As outlined at the January 10th workshop, the Town needs to find an alternative site for the Water Polo and Badminton Venues for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games.   The Town’s planning for Markham Centre continues to evolve and has changed significantly since the original decision was made to locate the Pan Am venues in spring 2010.  The proposed changes to the road pattern and grading in Markham Centre cause the site to reduce in buildable space and add risks relating to timing and cost. The Town site remains a highly valuable site for higher densities versus the uses envisioned for the Games.   

 

The two new alternative sites discussed in this report are both viable from a site function perspective with the Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library site having better financial and operating synergies.  Pan Am has evaluated both, and both are acceptable.  The decision between the two sites is Markham’s to make.   Staff continues to recommend Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library as the new location because of the alignment to ILMP, financial benefits, community legacies for Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, and operational efficiencies.   The tightness of the site referenced by Pan Am will need to be managed by aligning the existing building functions with the new functions efficiently.  Relocating to Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library affords the Town the opportunity if it chooses to potentially not be a venue for the Badminton to build the field house components after the games at a lower cost than IO model and aligning it with the Library expansion.   Constructing in this manner would be lower cost as outlined in the financial section of the report, but it would prolong the construction over two periods of time impacting users twice.   Staff are recommending that a Field house/Gymnasium Facility be constructed by the Town of Markham at Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library.  This facility will be offered to Toronto 2015 for consideration as the host venue for badminton.

 

If Council decides to proceed with an alternative Markham Centre location then the following must be considered: 

         The Field house would have to be built at the same time by IO under their cost structure

         Additional funding for site works would need to be allocated of approximately      $1.4 million.

         Building should be located on the eastern portion of the site.

         A Plan B must be put into place if the land acquisition is not completed by the Town with Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library being the back up site.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS

By placing the PAN AM Games Facility at Milliken Mills Community Centre there will be staffing efficiencies achieved as additional full time supervisory staff will not need to be hired.

 

 

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

By locating the PAN AM Facility at Milliken Mills Community Centre key recommendations within the ILMP are accomplished.  The legacy of the PAN AM Games will be transforming an older facility, in an area identified as in need of the very amenities that will be offered through the Games.

 

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance, Planning & Urban Design, Engineering, Recreation, Legal, Asset Management,        CAO’s Office

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED

                           BY:    ________________________          ________________________

                                      Mary Creighton                                 Brenda Librecz

                                      Director of Recreation Services        Commissioner, Community & Fire Services