Multi-Use Recreation Complex (MURC)

The M.U.R.C. is an acronym for Multi-use Recreation Complex.

Potential amenities include a full gymnasium, lap and leisure pool, seniors space/room, youth space/room, library branch, park and playfields. The concept plan for the facility will be developed with public and stakeholder consultation in 2018.

In 2016, the Georgina Public Library Board commissioned a library services and facilities study to guide the development of the library over the next 10 years. Based on professional standards, the consultants identified a lack of 15,000 square feet of library space to meet the present and growing needs of our community. The Library Board Strategic Plan identified the requirement for a branch in the rapidly growing area of south Keswick. The library board settled on a 10,000-square-foot branch with additional space shared with the Town’s Recreation and Culture Department. The MURC project provides an opportunity to address this shortcoming in service levels.

Most new public libraries are being built as part of a community hub rather than stand-alone buildings. These designs have proved to be more cost effective to build and operate, more convenient for residents, and allow for shared space for a variety of activities. It is not feasible or cost effective to expand the existing Keswick branch and the new library will offer new library services that will complement the services offered in the north Keswick branch. The focus will be on digital literacy and community programming space. The library will also meet the need for more children’s programming space and services, which are in increasing demand.

History has taught us that single purpose or stand-alone facilities cost more to build and operate. That’s why municipalities across Ontario are now building MURC’s. They are the most responsive and cost effective way of meeting community recreational needs.

The 2014 Recreation Facility Needs Study determined that the Town has an adequate supply of ice pads in the community for our planned population. When the Town does reach a size that requires an additional ice pad, the study recommended that the Sutton arena be twinned (add another pad). Twin ice pads operate more efficiently than single pads.

To build the MURC (capital cost), 90 per cent of the funding for the project is provided by development charges (DC) and the remaining 10 per cent has already been set aside in the Corporate Capital/New Infrastructure Reserve. It is important to note that we do not anticipate any additional tax increases associated with the construction of the MURC. As per the Ontario Development Charges Act, both principle and interest paid on any DC-funded project, are also eligible for DC funding. As such, the MURC capital costs including the debenture costs will have no additional impact on the tax levy.

There are a number of steps involved before construction begins. First, there will be a conceptual design and once approved by Council, it would then need to go to a detailed design stage (the blueprint stage). The Town also needs to consider the development schedule of the subdivision phases around the MURC lands. Specifically, it will require water and sewer servicing which will be subject to the overall block development plan. Finally, Town Council will then decide when construction will begin.

There will be new operating costs associated with the MURC similar to the way that current property taxes pay for the operation of the many parks, recreation and cultural facilities, and libraries that the Town currently offers. As part of the initial 2014 Recreational Facility Needs Study, a preliminary business plan was adopted by Council in principle, which contemplates a net operating cost of approximately $1.12 million per year. A more up-to-date business plan will be developed after further public consultation and the final Council approval of all components within the MURC facility. At this point in time, the tax levy increase relating to operating costs at the MURC can be estimated to be around one per cent.

The design phase is a necessary part of the construction process which gives the Town more specific details on costing. The concept design will have a long shelf life, prepare us for funding opportunities, and ensure thorough and responsible planning for the facility.

Yes, your feedback is a critical component of this process. Just like the public consultation process for the 2014 Recreation Facility Needs Study, a multi-faceted approach to obtain public feedback will be done. Be sure to watch for those opportunities on our corporate channels including our website, social media and the local newspaper.