ISSUE #4, MARCH 7, 2007
Regional Sports & Entertainment Centre Update
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This is a brief update on the Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre. These updates will be issued to you on a monthly basis and can be used for circulation to your membership.
Construction Update
Work continues on the concrete foundations and core walls, which includes formwork and rebar. EllisDon is also working on underground plumbing which should be completed in April 2007. Steel for the shell of the centre began to go up in February and is scheduled to be completed in June 2007.
The substantial completion is planned for December 2007. Beginning in December Arcturus/SMG will require a few weeks after occupancy to install and test all equipment as well as to train staff. The first Kingston Frontenacs game is planned for Jan. 18, 2008. Confirmation of OHL schedule will be provided in April.
The Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation (CARF) is finalizing monitoring in the north east corner of the site. Monitoring should be completed by the end of March 2007 and will conclude CARF's involvement with this project.
Environmental work on site has been completed and Pinchin Environment and Scott Industrial will only be involved as required.
Budget
In February, Council approved an additional $4.3 million for the sports and entertainment centre. The project budget is now $46.1 million. These additional funds will ensure the completion of all areas within the centre which will include 29 suites, including a community suite, 5,000 seats, up to four meeting rooms, a sports café and restaurant areas. It will also become the new home of the Kingston Frontenacs and the Kingston District Sports Hall of Fame.
Parking and Accessibility
On Feb. 27, Council approved the parking and accessibility recommendations brought forth by the Municipal Accessibility Committee. The recommendations appeared in the February update.
Fundraising Campaign
The city is prepared to accept donations beginning immediately. In addition, the community fundraising campaign will officially kick off the week of March 26 once plans are finalized. The goal is to raise a minimum of $2 million towards the construction of the sports and entertainment centre. In the meantime, members of the community can make their pledges at the payment centre at City Hall. Income tax receipts will be provided for all donations of over $10. Various activities will be planned over the coming months to encourage community participation in the campaign.
Suite Lottery
A suite lottery will be held on March 21 at Fort Frontenac. The facility has 26 suites available for lease. The City has received 43 deposits form interested individuals/companies. This week the individuals and companies that have provided a deposit will receive an information package about the suites. Arcturus/SMG, Operator of the facility, is leading this process. For any questions in regards to suite sale, contact Neil Shorthouse at 613-449-3906.
Naming Rights
A Request for Expression of Interest for the naming rights of the centre appeared in the Whig Standard and the Kingston This Week. Local companies have until March 31 to contact Wakeham and Associates Marketing to express their interest in purchasing the name for the Sports and Entertainment Centre.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre please contact Lanie Hurdle, director of project development at 613-546-4291 ext. 1231 or by e-mail at lhurdle@cityofkingston.ca.
