Whitewater Region expects the detailed design for the Cobden Astrolabe Arena expansion to be complete by the end of the year.
The project will see aging infrastructure renewed to improve dressing room capacity, office space, community meeting areas and space for a new library in Cobden.
The project will also include a new parking lot to support the traffic flow of significant events which are held in the existing parking spaces.
The Township says work is required to improve the overall accessibility at the Cobden Astrolabe Arena to ensure that all members of the public can access the facility.
Concerns from neighbouring homeowners were raised during the November 17th meeting of council.
Homeowners wanted to purchase a section of the land next to the arena to allow for more privacy, but council denied the request.
The section of property the homeowners wanted to purchase is intended for a pathway connecting Astrolabe Road to the future addition and park space.
The homeowners say the work at the Astrolabe Arena, including the proposed library addition was never disclosed by their real estate agent at the time of purchase.
While the developer said the homes would back onto a parking lot, plans for the library addition were presented to council six months before the sale of the home and were available in public agendas.
Staff with Whitewater Region highlighted financial implications associated with changing the detailed design.
The detailed design for the Cobden Astrolabe Arena Renovation and Addition cost just over $178,000.
Moving the addition would cost $32,500 and removing the library altogether would cost $10,000.
Township staff will ensure the pathway next to the homes and curling club is only accessible to cyclists and pedestrians, and that fencing is also looked at.
Direction has been provided to the Architect to complete detailed design and engineering plans.
The detailed design will allow the project to be shovel ready for potential funding.
The Township applied for funds through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help offset the cost of $4-million project.
Whitewater Region was not successful in the grant application and will need to identify a source of funding before moving forward with the project.
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https://www.pembroketoday.ca/2019/09/12/whitewater-region-applying-for-funding-to-renovate-and-expand-the-cobden-arena/
