GENERAL COMMITTEE - COMMUNITY SERVICES & ENVIRONMENT
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Barbara M. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services
	PREPARED BY:	Glen Taylor, Manager, Community Centre Operations
	DATE OF MEETING:	2005-June-20
	SUBJECT:	Thornhill Community Centre, Lower Level Feasibility Study

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report entitled “Thornhill Community Centre, Lower Level Feasibility Study” be received;

AND THAT staff be authorized to retain the services of Oleson Worland_Taylor Smyth Architects to conduct the feasibility study in the amount of $10,000 (exclusive of GST), to be funded from the 2005 Recreation Department Capital Budget, project 70 5399 6543 005, titled “Thornhill Community Centre Lower Level Feasibility Study”;

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to retain Oleson Worland_Taylor Smyth Architects to conduct a Lower Level Feasibility Study and if necessary a detail design for the Thornhill Community Centre.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Phase II of construction is currently underway at Thornhill Community Centre with completion expected in September 2005. Upon completion, the space currently occupied by the Fitness Centre (approx. 8,000 sq. ft.) will be redeveloped. The architects would conduct public meetings, develop potential floor plan options, provide construction cost estimates, and report back to Committee with their recommendations.

BACKGROUND:

On June 14, 2004, Council approved the “Tender Award, 012-T-04 Thornhill Community Centre Expansion, Phase II”. The expansion consists of a therapeutic pool, gymnasium, dance studio, fitness centre, four change rooms, as well as a family change room. The construction of Phase II is well underway and it is anticipated that completion will be in September 2005.

The basement of the Thornhill Community Centre, which is the current location of the Thornhill Fitness Centre, will be left vacant once construction of the new facility is completed. This space will be redeveloped based on recommendations of staff and public input.

Oleson Worland_Taylor Smyth Architects propose to provide the following scope of work:

- Meet with user groups and staff to discuss and determine the program for the redesign of approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of basement space.

- Prepare minutes of these meetings.

- Develop several floor plan options.

- Refine options based on discussions.

- Prepare presentation plan drawings.

- Host one Public Meeting.

- Presentation to Building and Parks Construction Committee.

The cost of providing the services listed above is $10,000 excluding GST.

A copy of Oleson Worland _Taylor Smyth Architects proposal is attached as Appendix “A”.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed approach will help determine the best long-term use of this space for the residents and users of the Thornhill Community Centre.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The feasibility study, in the amount of $10,000 (excl. GST), is to be awarded to Oleson Worland _Taylor Smyth Architects. Funding is provided from the 2005 Recreation and Culture Capital Budget Project #70 5399 6543 005, titled “Thornhill Community Centre Lower Level Feasibility Study”.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

The current space is accessible by elevator. Any proposed changes to the space would be reviewed by the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix “A” - Proposal from Oleson Worland_Taylor Architects

Barbara Roth, Director, Recreation & Culture

Jim Sales, Commissioner, Community & Fire Services

Q:\Recreation\STUDIES\STU002\2005 TCC Basement Doc.doc