Cochrane town council is considering further public engagement on YMCA Calgary's proposed takeover of SLS Centre operations before reaching a decision.
Discussing the issue in front of a packed council chambers last night (May 20) for about two hours, the question now appears to be whether that should be a meeting with all stakeholders and user groups or a formal public hearing.
Councillors expressed a desire for more insight into the proposed 25-year lease and operating agreement, which has already been approved by the YMCA Calgary board. A final decision originally slated for June 2 now appears unlikely.
Applause echoed through the chambers when councillors spoke in favour of a deeper dive involving public participation.
Among those weighing in was Coun. Morgan Nagel, who emphasized the value of community input.
“Often on these really detailed things, members of the community have brought up points that I and other councillors never thought of,” said Nagel. “So if we have a public hearing after we actually have a publicly available copy of the agreement, I would find that very helpful.”
Mayor Jeff Genung did not dismiss the idea of a public hearing, but suggested first holding an information session involving the SLS board, stakeholders, user groups, council and YMCA representatives.
“It could shine some more light on what this transition might mean,” said Genung. “And I think if we can answer that confidence question to users, I think there would be a lot less anxiety, fear, and then hostility even as we approach this decision.”
Town officials have been inundated with emails and phone calls from residents seeking clarity on the implications of the proposed agreement for the community, SLS staff and leaseholders.
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Town CAO Mike Derricott reflected on how the SLS Centre began as a grassroots effort by Cochrane and Rocky View residents to add more arenas to the community, something he believes should continue to be proudly celebrated.
The project began with one arena, then two more, and grew over 25 years into a 325,000-square-foot multisport facility — one of the largest in Alberta.
Derricott said YMCA’s century-long history has produced an operating model no other organization has been able to replicate.
“I don’t see a better way to create the overall financial capacity to meet the growing and changing demand for recreation in our community, or a better value in tax dollars for providing these services,” he told council.
The town contributed about $1 million toward the facility’s operations in the most recent budget, plus another $2.2 million for capital expenses and maintenance. Councillors suggested that the $1 million could be redirected to support the development of additional recreational facilities if the YMCA agreement moves forward.
According to a five-year plan presented by the YMCA, the centre would be in an operational surplus of $392,000 in its first year and reach $1.854 million by year five. Capital costs would remain a separate budget item for the town, and, to a much lesser degree Rocky View County.
The facility is jointly owned 50-50 by the town and the county but there are disproportionate contributions towards the centre. Should the agreement with the YMCA go forward, town and county will be sitting down to resolve long-standing issues with the current arrangement.
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In response to a question from Coun. Nagel, Derricott acknowledged he initially thought the YMCA proposal might be too good to be true.
“I came to know more about the uniqueness of the YMCA model — in particular, their incredible track record of fund development... as well as the way they’ve built efficiencies through volunteerism and other elements no other recreational organization I’m aware of has been able to replicate,” he said. “They are offering a very unique financial proposition based on those elements that is incredibly attractive. Candidly, it’s the reason I’m standing in front of you as an administration — because of the opportunities that it affords our community.”
User groups packed council chambers looking for more information. While officials offered reassurances that existing users would be considered in the transition, many in attendance were seeking more detailed answers.
What they heard Monday were mostly high-level comments. However, should council agree to further public consultation, some of those details may soon become available.
No decisions are made at committee-of-the-whole meetings, but they allow council to explore issues in a less formal setting and provide direction to town administration.
Council is expected to revisit the issue formally at its May 26 regular meeting.