Town of Grande Cache

Proposed MultiPlex

The Akasaka Recreation Centre serves as the recreation and wellness hub for the Town of Grande Cache. As the economy has expanded the Town has put increasing importance on a high quality of life for residents and understands the importance of community health and wellness.

The proposed multi use facility will encompass a new Aquatics facility (leisure pool, water slide, lazy river, steam room, sauna, family change rooms, and a hot tub), a large fitness area, indoor children’s play area, multiple programming rooms, family/social area, retail space, and a Youth Centre. 

The intent of the new design will be to maximize the functionality of the required spaces while limiting the amount of new and renovated areas required throughout the facility and site.Click on the following images to view the proposed layout for the new facility:   

Please note that these are initial concept drawings.  Since this time the municipal offices have been removed from the plan. 

The Facts:

• RFP sent out early January 2008 for study on Akasaka Recreation Centre revitalization
• Ken Hutchinson Architect Ltd. was awarded the contract for the study for the revitalization of the Akasaka Recreation Centre in May of 2008, based on the firm’s experience in over 30 such projects.
• Steering Committee set up May 2008
• Household Survey sent out July 2008
  Survey Results August 2008:
  - Current Aquatic visits – average 8.6 per person,  new aquatic centre development – average 19.5 visits per person, 88.9% of households said they would be very or somewhat likely to visit the new aquatic centre, Most popular features of a new aquatic centre: Hot Tub, Fitness Centre, Waterslide, Lane Pool, Leisure Pool, Wave pool.
  - 79.8% of households were supportive of a new aquatic centre
  - 18.3% would oppose or somewhat oppose the new aquatic centre
  - Most popular “other” elements: Gym, Multi-purpose hall, Meeting spaces, Better appearance
  - 69.1% expressed concern re: cost/ tax increase
  - 30.9% said they had no concerns re: cost/ tax increases Student/
  Youth Survey Findings:
  - Waterslide
  - Hot Tub
  - Food and Beverage
  - Pool Waves
  - Leisure Pool
  - Bumper Boats
  - Decor Package
  - Gym 
• Numerous Citizen’s advisory committee meetings from May to Sept. 2008
• Open House held in Curling Rink July 16th, 2008
• Development of Exploratory Concepts: June to July 2008
• On going consultation with Administration throughout process
• Study of other recreation centre financials September 2008
• Developed Grande Cache financials, concept/ financial fit and preliminary operational costs for present and future: Oct. 2008
• Presentations to Council:  Oct.31st  2008 and Nov. 18th, 2008
• Fundraising Consultant hired November 2008
• Ken Hutchinson completes Feasibility Study December.23rd , 2008
• Public Open House Feb.12th, 2009 at the Tourism Centre 300 people attend
• Conceptual Model and information display in Shopper’s Mall  -March 2009

What’s Next?

1. Finalize plans – the architectural team will continue to fine-tune the plans and the costing over the next few months with the Town .  Components will be adjusted to meet our budget and once final plans and costing are in place we will set our financial development goal.
2. The hiring of a Construction Manager to help finalize plans and costing
3. Fundraising campaign – we are in the process of appealing to corporations, private citizens and applying for multiple grants and subsidies that are available.
4. Permit approvals and completion of contract documents
5. Request for Proposals for Tenders for Construction
6. Then approximately 2 years of construction to completion
7. Open late 2010 or Early 2011The Akasaka Recreation Centre was constructed in the early 1970’s with a small addition added in 1995 and  2006.

For more information on the Proposed MultiPlex project, please contact Duane Didow at 780-827-2446 or e-mail duane.didow@grandecache.ca.