$425, 000 Roof Repair
2 years of dedicated effort has culminated this fall, in the completion of Phase 1 of our community centre’s roof repair. The initial inspection by the contractor revealed that the underlying supports of the 38-year-old roof no longer met building code. The additional cost of welding more support beams necessitated us splitting the roof repair into two phases. Phase 1 is the roof of the lower part of the community centre.
Tendering for quotes, writing proposals for city and provincial grants, coordinating timing of the contractors and grant deadlines, has been the continuous work of your board members. Funding for Phase 1 of this project has come from three sources: $125,000 provincial grant, $300,000 city grant, and diligent saving by the board to ensure that the required cash was on hand.
Phase 2 funding is now being worked on. We are applying for an extension of the $50,000 remaining from the provincial grant. Application for the 2020 round of city grants for $300,000 is being completed. The board has the $50,000 cash required before you can apply for the city grant. As the money is secured, we anticipate completing Phase 2-gym roof, and replacing of the exterior doors within the next year.
Following the above-mentioned maintenance projects, the next priority will be the downstairs bathroom fixtures. Three possible funding sources for this project include the rainy-day fund, if Phase 2 comes in under $300,000, and any remaining monies from the provincial grant.
Life Cycle Management List
Did you know that the city mandates that we have a list of things to replace, and they help with much of the funding? If the items are not replaced on a timely basis, it costs even more than replacing them with the “free” money. It makes sense – if you let your car go too long without proper preventative maintenance, it usually costs more in the end. So, the city has a vested interest in helping us get all this work done, because if we were to stop … we would hand it all back to the city. If we do a good job, then the city’s mandate of having community centres for the betterment of the citizens is fulfilled. There is a lot of red tape, however, the City has a direct hand in how all the steps are handled, they help get it done and they have companies lined up to help that are cheaper than if we handled it by ourselves. Our NPE, city representative, is an excellent resource and help throughout the process. We are grateful to her and her predecessors.
City Report Card
Did you know we get graded and receive a yearly report card from the city? If we get good grades, we get first dibs and incentives for things. 4 years ago, we had a mediocre grade, and it has been going up steadily ever since. Why? I would like to think it is because we are listening and doing what has been advised, and because we ask hard questions and make good decisions. We have a passionate board and good community volunteers. Thanks for that.
I hope this helps you feel more a part of what happens in your community, why the city helps community centres, and how your tax dollars are spent. We feel very well supported at the community association by all our city and provincial representatives. When you see them, say “thank you”, and pass it on to those who work hard behind the scenes.
Stay safe and warm.
Etienne Bley,
Ways and Means, DRCA
