We have hit an exciting phase in the McLoughlin Amenity Funds project. After undertaking two rounds of public engagement, we were able to use the resulting community feedback to create a list of themed projects to consider for funding.
At a high level, project ideas had to benefit the entire community; meet diverse community needs; achieve multiple purposes and uses; support healthy lifestyle choices and connect people to each other and the natural environment. On January 23, Council approved selection criteria for the evaluation and scoring of the multiple projects identified during the two rounds of public engagement and directed staff to apply the selection criteria to the projects.
On March 25, Council reviewed the evaluated projects and further refined the list of project ideas. Staff will now begin to develop some initial concept design plans. This will facilitate further analysis and allow for the development of preliminary capital and operating budget estimates.
This work is being undertaken this spring and findings should be reported to Council in early fall.
Council refined the list of project ideas to include:
Waterfront parks
• Acquire new parkland
• Multi-purpose venue integrating a possible Japanese Tea House concept at Esquimalt’s Gorge Park
• Boardwalk and/or pathway connections at Saxe Point Park
• Dog-related enhancement at Esquimalt’s Gorge Park and/or Macaulay Point Park
• Enhanced lookout areas at Macaulay Point Park on Township property
Downtown recreation facilities
• Existing field upgrades
• Washrooms fieldhouse/changerooms at Bullen Park
• Indoor courts
• Track/trail infrastructure
• Artificial turf field
• Additional multipurpose space with inclusion of arts/cultural studio/gallery
• Picnic facilities
• Climbing wall
• Youth recreation opportunities
Downtown Emergency Services & Public Safety facilities
• Emergency Coordination Centre
• Community multipurpose space: public meeting rooms and arts & culture space
• Multi-use considerations to include housing and commercial space