Council Decides on Event Centre

The original intent of the MLRC project included a replacement of the Civic Centre described as an "Event Centre". In order to align with the budget constraints of the project, the Event Centre was removed from the required scope of our request for proposals and was not included in the final proposal from our contractor, Quorex Construction Ltd. However, Quorex’s proposal did include an unfinished space allocated for a future “Sports Bar”. The City was given the unique opportunity to incorporate the Event Centre scope of work within that space which had been strategically designed for future improvements.

At their May 8, 2023 Regular Meeting, City Council made a resolution that authorized the Executive Committee of the project to discuss the possibility of reconfiguring the approved plans to replace the future Sports Bar space with an Event Centre space and for Administration to bring a proposal back to Council with a recommendation on the change.

The Project Executive Committee and Project Team Members conducted a comprehensive review of both the design and scope. The Sports Bar was modified and rebranded as the designated Event Centre within the existing footprint. This proposal was brought forward at the February 12, 2024 Regular Meeting. After some discussion, City Council approved the change of scope for the space and the newly reimagined Event Centre will be a part of the Meadow Lake Recreation and Civic Centre.

Event Centre Scope

The Event Centre will be located on the second floor of the facility, accessible by a grand staircase and elevator. In terms of design, the proposed Event Centre spans a total area of 697 sqm, providing seating for approximately 320 people at tables within a space of 538 sqm. The Event Centre is strategically positioned to become a central hub for hosting various events. The event space flooring will allow a dance floor to be configured as needed, and a removable stage of 33’ x 16’, which can be used for special events such as weddings, dances, banquets, conferences and more.

As the space is in close proximity to the ice rink and the fieldhouse, provisions for acoustic seals at the connection points of the Event Centre walls have been incorporated, ensuring effective noise reduction. See the proposed design (Sketch) below. Click the image to open a larger version of the plan in a new window:

Project Budget Impact

The project budget is currently on track and within the allocated budget. Back in May 2023 the Project Executive Committee allocated $1,000,000 of the project budget (from the construction contingency) as a placeholder to potentially complete the Event Centre scope. After reviewing with Quorex and updating the scope to align with direction, the revised amount for the proposed Event Centre is $1,232,449.55.

Our project managers have taken measures to ensure that the City is not being charged twice for items that were in the initial scope (contract) for the Sports Bar. The impact of the change order on the project budget was assessed, and it was determined that the project budget can accommodate the change while still allowing for future construction contingency items if needed.

Project Schedule Impact

The project is currently progressing on schedule, and the substantial performance date remains March 31, 2025.

We have been advised that the additional scope, including the interior fit-up of the Event Centre, might not align with the overall project timeline. To address this, Quorex has agreed to prioritize trades focused on the original contract (the structure of the building and the interior of the ice rink, fieldhouse and City Hall) before addressing the additional scope, ensuring the achievement of the substantial performance date.

While the project's substantial completion date remains the same, any interior work for the Event Centre can be completed after the facility is opened to the public. This change will have no adverse effects on our ICIP funding requirements but will require some coordination for the interior work of the Event Centre in order to be completed when the rest of the facility is open.

What does this mean for the current Civic Centre?

No decision has been made as to what will be done with the current Civic Centre. The City will keep the Civic Centre operational, at least until the new facility is up and running.

This plan does not account for the future of the Civic Centre and a recommendation on how to proceed will be brought to City Council at a later date.