Kingsville approves concept for Cottam Community Centre

Kingsville council voted last week to approve the conceptual plan for the new Ridgeview Park Community Centre in Cottam — which also houses the Cottam Library — but some concerns over space promoted a second motion to increase the budget on the project.

A Public Information Centre was held on April 15, with two designs presented to residents, who voted in-person and online – and overwhelmingly voted for the new structure to be located at Ridgeview Park.

The budgeted cost for the project, which includes demolition of the existing fieldhouse, is $2.85 million.

The design presented to council takes into consideration the public feedback received.

A motion was made to accept the design and after some lengthy discussion, the recommendation was passed, with council concerns slated for a second motion.

Among the biggest concerns were the overall size of the structure and the amount of space allotted inside for user groups, including the library.

Discussion revolved around a suggestion made by Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong to incorporate a retractable wall into the main space to separate library programs from other uses of the space.

“It’s one big room replacing the library, meeting space and recreational space,” she said. “I’d like to see a room divider that collapses into the wall.”

Deputy Mayor DeYong asked about the cost of adding a retractable wall to alleviate only one group being able to use the space at a time.

Most of council agreed with that sentiment and Councillor Thomas Neufeld made a motion to increase the budget to $3 million to accommodate a larger building and add the retractable divider in the main room.

“I would hate to be in a position where it’s already built and it’s too small and Cottam is stuck with it,” said Neufeld.

Councillor Larry Patterson disagreed, saying, “This has got to stay on budget. If we were to have extra money, I’d like to see us put that into storage.”

Mayor Dennis Rogers supported the idea of the retractable wall.

“Public feedback is important and I think it’s important to set something and stick with it,” he said. “Having said that, I’m in support of the wall. Having multiple groups being able to work at the same time is important.”

Councillor Tony Gaffan asked where the extra $150,000 would come from — it will be spread out over 10 years.

Deputy Mayor DeYong threw her support behind Neufeld’s motion for an extra 400 square feet, plus the retractable wall to be added, to which Mayor Rogers agreed.

“To add 400 square feet and other options, an extra $150,000 is worth it,” said Rogers. “This community will get a lot of value out of it.”

Neufeld’s motion was carried with a 6-1 vote.