An overflowing crowd, anxious to receive a little transparency on the proposed takeover of the SLS Centre’s operations by the YMCA Calgary, is expected at tomorrow night’s (May 20) committee-of-the-whole meeting of town council.
It will mark the first time any details of significance will be provided publicly regarding discussions underway between the town, Rocky View County, and YMCA Calgary officials. All prior discussions among the parties have been held in camera, and any decisions made have been through veiled motions.
Kendall Waiting, president of the Cochrane Curling Club, is among those calling for public and user group consultation. He addressed the issue in a letter to town and Rocky View councils on May 18.
“We, as a club, looked at this issue, and we want clarity and transparency, and we haven’t felt that we’ve received any of that,” said Waiting. “There has been zero consultation with any user groups or information, and the only three pieces of information I’m aware of are the two FAQs and the brief town hall held shortly afterward, where very little information was provided.”
Waiting said he received over 100 emails in response to a draft of the letter circulated among user groups. He believes other groups have also sent letters directly to town council and anticipates representatives from 10 or more user groups will attend the meeting.
He said the content of his letter will not be released until the town and Rocky View County have had an opportunity to respond.
Among the key concerns for user groups is what role they will play at the SLS Centre under the YMCA’s operations model.
A brief included in the meeting agenda touches on that question.
“The YMCA believes that YMCA programs will expand to best serve the community as we decrease the amount of outsourced space in the building,” the report states. “The importance of the tenant in the facility and their relationship with the community will always be a consideration.”
In background notes, a long-term agreement is not anticipated for the operation of the Cochrane Arena.
“Throughout negotiations, and following conditions assessment reports, a decision has been taken to exclude the Cochrane Arena from the Letter of Agreement due to the age, condition, and associated liabilities of the facility,” the document states. “It is proposed that a separate short-term operating agreement be entered into to ensure the ongoing operation of the facility.”
That alone raises a host of concerns.
Town administration says the primary goal is to meet growing demand in a rapidly expanding community without compromising the high standard of service the town expects.
“The community will experience minimal disruption, following which residents can expect elevated, community-focused services as a result,” the backgrounder states.
According to the report, significant cost savings are projected for administration and facility operations under the YMCA model. A five-year operational plan indicates an operating margin increase of 130 per cent in the first year, 185 per cent in year two, and close to 20 per cent in each of the following years. The plan forecasts an operating surplus of $392,000 in the first year, growing to $1.85 million.
Whether that means substantially higher fees for user groups — the largest of which is the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association — to reach this target is not specified.
Town administration recommends tomorrow’s information meeting is to be followed by a special meeting on June 2 to formally discuss the proposed agreement