Multi-Use Recreation Complex (MURC)

The planned location is on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road.

In 2014, the Town conducted a Recreation Facility Needs Study. Extensive research was done which evaluated data including our socio-demographic profile, trends and best practices, facility inventory, and a utilization analysis. Public consultation was also a key component of this study with surveys, public information centres and discussions with key stakeholders including sports groups, hall boards, seniors, Council and staff. The public survey showed that 88 per cent of the respondents agreed that “The Town should consider developing a Recreation Centre in the Keswick area with components such as an indoor pool, arena, gymnasium, walking track and or community rooms.” View the complete study here. Throughout 2018, the Town will work to develop the concept plan. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will be an important part of this phase.

The new library will offer the following services:

• Children and young adult collection and programming
• Popular adult fiction and DVD collection
• Quiet and group study space for students of seven schools within walking distance to the new location as well as distance-learning students
• Comfortable seating for parents waiting for their children at swimming lessons and other sports
• Programming and performance space for library and community events
• Meeting rooms for community groups
• Digital skills training lab to learn new computer and research skills
• Digital media lab including a green screen for video production and editing together with digital recording capabilities
• MakerSpace with 3D printer and other hands-on technologies

The Town of Georgina and East Gwillimbury have been consulting with each other on their respective plans for their new recreation facilities to ensure decisions are not made in isolation. The Town of East Gwillimbury is planning for a Health and Active Living Plaza (HALP) which will be built once their population reaches 40,000 residents.

In 2014, the estimated project budget for the MURC was $31 million with a minimum annual increase of five per cent as per the Recreation Facility Needs Study. At that time, it was estimated the construction costs would continue to rise based on inflationary and market factors. The 2019 draft budget of an estimated $42 million reflects the increase from 2014 until 2021/2022 (anticipated substantial completion). 

For construction of the MURC, 90 per cent of the funding is provided by Development Charges (DC) and the remaining 10 per cent has been budgeted from the Corporate Capital/New Infrastructure Reserve. It is important to note that the Town does 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 construction costs including the debenture costs will have no additional impact on the tax levy.

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.

In 2018, Council directed staff to review, in collaboration with public input, the proposed 10,000-square-foot library within the MURC at an estimated cost of $4 to $4.5 million based on a square footage cost of $400 to $450. Once the MURC architect team is hired for the project, the team and staff will host a visioning session with stakeholders to further refine the program and size requirements for the MURC, including the library. Coming out of that there are likely to be a few options related to the library size and potential shared spaces for consideration by the Town. Only once the design is developed will there be a more accurate idea of what the portion of the entire MURC project budget is directly attributable to the Library.

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.

Growth projections for Georgina show that by 2031, the Town’s population will grow to 70,000 residents, with much of that growth occurring in Keswick. It is this growth that is supporting the need for additional facilities. Locating facilities as close as possible to the majority of users will optimize use and is more environmentally friendly by limiting travel distances.

That’s great! If you do we think others will also. Please send your questions to communications@georgina.ca so we can provide you with the answer.