Three years ago, the project was to be on the old City works yard on Kelly Avenue. Once complete, this existing recreation centre (rinks, Wilson Centre, etc.), would be demolished and become housing.
May 2016 a totally revised project was tabled and presented to the public on the City web site. It would be built on this existing site in phases, and the old works yard would become housing. The City met with the Wilson Centre Board and advised the design of the exterior building envelope was firm, but interior space was not yet finalized. The Wilson Centre Board would have the opportunity to have representation on the Stakeholder Group, and thus provide input.
Some two months later the City posted an advertisement for membership on the Stakeholder Group committee. On August 24th 2016 the Stakeholder Group was formed, the first meeting held, and the ‘ proposed plan presented. All user groups had many questions and concerns, so we were asked to provide our written recommendations for any changes by September 12th. The City would reply to us by September 23rd. The second Stakeholder meeting was to be early October. We submitted our written recommendations September 12th.
September 26th the City advised that, due to the volume of feedback provided by us (the various user groups), the design team would need more time to respond, and it was now expected that it would be mid October before the City could get back to us.
Therefore, as at this date, we are awaiting a written response from the City, and a date for the next Stakeholder meeting.
Ian Follis
Vice President, Wilson Centre Seniors’ Advisory Association.