Community engagement is alive and well in the Town of Stonewall, where residents learned about the recreation redevelopment plan for Veterans Memorial Sports Complex at a well-attended open house event.
On Tuesday, Feb. 4, all were invited to the come-and-go style event, which provided the public with their first glimpse at design opportunities. They also had the chance to learn about the future of VMSC and talk to members of the Scatliff + Miller + Murray project team, who hosted the event.
The project’s priority is to provide recreation facilities that will be able to accommodate the future capacity needs for Stonewall’s growing population, as well as the changing needs of user groups.
The project also plans for the removal and replacement of the Ice Palace. Other considerations include enhancing connections between the site and the community. In addition, the proposed plans include allocating space for a future childcare facility.
“The redevelopment of the VMSC complex site will be significant both in terms of cost and scope and will involve multiple phases over an extended time horizon of 10 to 20 years,” said Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith.
“While there is a need to look at the replacement of the Ice Palace sooner rather than later, council believed that an overall vision and redevelopment objective was needed so the community and future councils understood the ultimate goal. It takes time to put together comprehensive plans like the VMSC site redevelopment project and so no better time then now to get started.”
The VMSC building is used all year round, so operations would need to continue as much as possible during any development. The soccer fields are also an integral part of the site that needs to be considered so operations aren’t interrupted.
There are several challenges the project looks to address. At the current site, the drop-off hill restricts accessibility to the building and limits pedestrian movement, which is a key consideration. At the same time, there are limited pedestrian routes to nearby community pathways. Parking is scattered, which can cause complications for arrival and access to the facilities.
Prior to developing the concept design, the project team gathered information from representatives from the curling club, skating club, Age Friendly committee, youth soccer, minor hockey, ringette, Jets junior hockey, the heritage committee and Ecole Stonewall Centennial School.
Three themes emerged from these discussions, focusing on recreational programs, quality of life and accessibility, and amenities and passive uses.
Currently, the main uses of the site are hockey, curling and soccer, with growing interest in offering additional organized sports programs and wellness activities. As a result, the site design will need to be flexible enough to allow for the changing popularity of activities.
The current building is not accessible, especially for seniors or those with mobility challenges, and there’s interest in more age-friendly spaces for the whole community.
Further, there’s a demand for walking paths, additional outdoor recreational spaces and more indoor multi-purpose areas, which would result in more reasons to visit the VMSC site. This site is a key part of Stonewall’s identity and should be a source of community pride.
Based on feedback and site analysis, the project team developed several key initiatives, including a proposed expansion that would allow consolidate VMSC facilities into one building. This would include a new arena, indoor concourse, multi-purpose spaces and an improved drop-off area.
The proposed plan also looks to extend the Main Street pedestrian corridor to improve walkability and facility access. This would create a clear connection to VMSC from Main Street and Stonewall’s multi-use path.
Another main idea is to reconfigure the soccer fields to a north-south layout. The site would be further enhanced with trees, benches and rest areas, and it would be regraded for effective drainage.
If approved, the first phase of the project would focus on immediate needs over the next five years. The initial work would include removing the hill to the entrance and regrading the area to create flat accessible entries to the facility.
The next step would be to build the new additions, which would include a 1,000-seat arena and dedicated warm-up spaces for athletes, surrounded by an indoor walking loop. There would also be a large multi-purpose space that could be used for after-school care or day camps, as well as for hosting basketball, volleyball and other sports.
An indoor concourse with elevators would provide access to the existing arena and curling club. The concourse would include multi-purpose rooms, an atrium seating space, food services, administrative offices and washrooms.
Next, the Ice Palace would be demolished and replaced with parking. The outdoor rink would also be relocated and parking lots would be reconfigured.
The second phase would span from Year 6 to Year 15. Proposed plans include the development of a central linear plaza that would serve as a community space with seating and park amenities.
Phase 2 would also focus on creating pathways to connect to all the site elements and entrances, as well as to the community connection points. Community members could also enjoy an outdoor walking loop.
As well, the soccer fields would be restructured, and the field area would benefit from increased trees to provide shade.
A new artificial turf field would allow the site to be used for multiple activities, such as soccer, football and ultimate.
Wrapping up the long-term project, Phase 3 would start in Year 16 further into the future to continue making VMSC an attractive venue for major events. Depending on future demands, it could include winter pleasure skating, skateboarding, water play and more.
The Town of Stonewall plans on seeking provincial and federal grants to help fund this project. However, other funding sources will be required, which could include user fees, entry costs, property tax increases and donations.
Cost estimates are $25 million to $30 million for Phase 1, $5 million to $8 million for Phase 2 and $15 million to $20 million for Phase 3.
Smith encouraged Stonewall residents to take the time to share their feedback on the plans.
“The town would encourage citizens to ensure their priorities are included in the discussion,” she said.
“While financial limitations will mean that not everything can be included, it is important to understand what the community priorities are in creating the overall plan for the future of the VMSC complex site.”
For those who didn’t have the chance to attend the open house, they can provide feedback through an online survey posted on the Town of Stonewall website at www.stonewall.ca. The survey also includes information shared at the event.
Another option is to contact Matthew Peters at Scatliff + Miller + Murray to provide feedback. He can be reached at mpeters@scatliff.ca or 204-927-3444.
