The proposed facility is intended to enhance an almost 30-year-old single-pad arena, Potvin Arena, that has been approved for $4.3 million in refurbishments and upgrades between 2011 and 2014.
Once constructed, the new facility is expected to serve as a site for tournaments and expand the availability of ice time in the area. The Gloucester Centre Minor Hockey Association is among the users of Potvin Arena.
"Consideration was given to ideas that included the addition of an ice pad, facilities to meet the needs of other ice sports (i.e. curling, speed skating), additional dressing rooms, and a community program room," reads a report before the finance and economic development committee, which meets Tuesday.
"Preliminary cost estimates for the most comprehensive assembly of amenities were in the $28-million range, while a reduced program for an additional ice pad, change rooms and community space were valued at $18 million."
The report calls for a request for proposals to be developed to determine aspects such as design, management, experience and business plan.
"An RFP will allow private enterprise to propose solutions to the city's stated desire to increase arena ice services at the site, as well as creative design, build, operate and maintain models that can deliver more services to the community," the report states.
"The city's contribution to the project would include the land in proximity to Potvin Arena to build on, as well as a commitment to purchase ice time for community use at a negotiated rate."
The city is prepared to provide:
- The existing Potvin Arena;
- Park land, sports fields and parking areas east and south of the existing arena;
- On-site equipment;
- A capital contribution that will not exceed the current capital for the arena expansion;
- A designation of the facility as a municipal capital facility;
- A negotiated commitment to purchase ice time at a preferential rate.
The city has had "significant success" with P3s for arenas in the past few years, the report stated without providing any examples. It added the approach is cost-effective and reduces the amount of money the city must provide under its operating and capital budgets.
Some examples of Ottawa arenas completed under P3s include the Bell Sensplex, the dome at the Hornet's Nest in Blackburn Hamlet, and the twin ice pad expansion of the Ray Friel Recreation Complex.
"A P3 for the Shefford Park site has the potential to deliver a more comprehensive range of services and to optimize the use of the site for ice sports," the report stated.
If approved by council, staff intends to issue the request for proposals in mid-April with a deadline in early June.
If the RFP yields a successful proponent, an agreement could potentially be signed in September. The new facility is targeted to open in fall 2013.
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