HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 35-21
Report to Council
Report Number: CS 35-21
Date: October 21, 2021
From: Sarah Douglas-Murray
Director, Community Services
Subject: Community Engagement for Pickering City Centre Design
-Summary Report
-File: A-1440
Recommendations:
1. That Report CS 35-21 regarding the Pickering City Centre community design consultation
summary report be received for information; and,
2. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as
indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: As per Report CAO 04-21 dated May 25, 2021 (Resolution
#604/21), the Community Services Department and Pickering Public Library staff worked
together to conduct Pickering City Centre stakeholder and community design consultation
exercises. These exercises were to consider community feedback before advancing the City
Centre design to working drawings for tender – after that time, design changes can be cost
prohibitive. In the summer of 2021, the City of Pickering launched a robust design consultation
program that invited stakeholders and the broader community to identify what services,
programs and spaces, Pickering residents would like to see as part of a new City Centre.
This comprehensive design consultation and engagement program included a variety of
platforms for participation:
1. LetsTalkPickering.ca was used as the landing page for community consultation,
providing a central site to access the City Centre ideas board, workshop registrations
and four City Centre surveys featuring the new City Centre Library design, the Youth &
Seniors’ Centre design, the Performing Arts Centre design, and the Public Square
design. There were over 3,000 visits to LetsTalkPickering.ca.
2. Four facility specific surveys were created for each public space. Community
engagement resulted in the completion of 579 surveys. The Central Library survey had
179 participants. The Seniors & Youth Centre had 144 participants. The Performing Arts
Centre had 128 participants. The Public Square had 128 participants.
3. Design boards with City Centre renderings were displayed at the Central Library and
George Ashe Library for five weeks. Access to hard copies of the four surveys was
available and assistance was provided by library staff. Access to Let’sTalkPickering.ca
was available through the Library’s public computers.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 2
4. Virtual stakeholder workshops were held with volunteers from the City’s advisory
committees, the Library Board, and prospective user groups including youth, seniors,
rental groups and performing arts organizations. Stakeholder workshops included a pre-
recorded presentation by the architects on the City Centre facilities and a facilitated
discussion, specific to each stakeholder group. There were 7 virtual stakeholder
workshops held from June to August, with 43 participants.
5. City staff facilitated three virtual workshops that were open to all residents, with 25
attendees. Virtual workshops included a pre-recorded presentation on the City Centre
design by the architects and answers to the most frequently asked questions. The
virtual workshops included breakout rooms so participants could ask questions and
provide feedback and ideas directly to City Staff in smaller groups. Registration for the
virtual workshops was available through LetsTalkPickering.ca. The workshops were
held on August 12, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm; August 12, 2021 from 6:30 pm – 8:30
pm; and August 14, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
6. Dedicated Pickering City Centre webpage at pickering.ca/citycentre that featured design
renderings, frequently asked questions, background documents, project history and
milestones, and ways to participate in the design consultation workshops.
Community consultation and engagement opportunities were promoted on the community
page, City of Pickering social media platforms, by email to community organizations, City
eNewsletters, on RCC signage, and road-side signage, by media release, and sent directly to
stakeholders and those who have expressed intere st in the City Centre project.
The strongest and clearest message staff received about the designs of the City Centre
facilities was encouraging, supportive and positive. Many comments were received about the
synergies of the spaces being located together and residents had very positive comments
about the bright open spaces and natural light thro ughout all of the facilities. The majority of
the participants who engaged using the community engagement tools and platforms have
expressed support that the designs for the City Centre programs, services and facilities would
serve the community well.
In addition to the community consultation, CAM Consulting was contracted in the summer of
2021 to largely complete a review of the design of the Performing Arts Centre. At this stage, in
the absence of an Executive Director for the Performing Arts Centre, th is work was deemed to
be important to ensure the facility functioned as it has been envisioned to.
Throughout the community consultation, stakeholders have identified interest in learning more
about the “green” features of the buildings and Public Square. As part of the Enbridge Savings
by Design program, a series of recommendations have been identified for each facility to
achieve at least 15% better energy efficiency than what is prescribed in the Building Code.
Council’s approval to proceed to the next phase of design will enable the preparation of
detailed specifications and the final selection of options to meet or exceed the energy
efficiency targets.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 3
Financial Implications: There is no financial impact resulting from the adoption of the
recommendations in this report.
Discussion: Through the consultation process, themes about the vision for City Centre
emerged. For each of the four public spaces, respondents shared what they supported about
the design, what areas they felt needed to be addressed, and what ideas they felt should be
considered. The high-level summary for each of the four public facilities follows.
1. City Centre Library
a) Most popular design features of the City Centre Library:
Design Feature Feedback:
Outdoor spaces The community was very supportive of the outdoor spaces
shown in the design of the level 2 balcony and rooftop
terrace. The community is interested in outdoor spaces for
both quiet and social activities. Both spaces will be available
for booking as event spaces
Café Support from the community was very strong for a café in the
Library with 90% of respondents indicating they were likely or
somewhat likely to frequent the café.
Bright spaces The community responded positively to the renderings of
bright, interiors spaces resulting from the glass façade on the
north, south and east walls.
Maker Space Support for a Maker Space remains strong with 77% in
favour of access to technology and programming for children,
teens and adults.
Meeting rooms and event
space
The variety of bookable rooms and event spaces will meet
the needs of businesses, organizations and students. 75% of
survey respondents indicated an interest in booking at least
one of the larger event spaces.
b) Areas to be addressed for the City Centre Library:
Design Feature Feedback:
Welcoming spaces through
furniture and finishes
The renderings showed a variety of furniture types in muted
or neutral colours. The response from the community about
the renderings underlined support for adding more colour to
the finishes. Additionally, concerns were raised about the
backless furniture (i.e. stools, benches) which can be
uncomfortable for some users. Ideas for including plants
throughout the building was also a common idea.
Accessibility Consideration should be given to make the facility as
accessible and inclusive as possible. The community voiced
concerns about the feature staircase on the ground level
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 4
Design Feature Feedback:
being an unwelcoming sight for community members unable
to traverse the stairs or access the benches above ground
level.
Feature Staircase The community did not show strong support for the benches
built into the staircase for activities such as reading, working,
or meeting up with friends. This is an area for further
consultation to ensure that the staircase -a prominent
feature of the facility -is an area of activity.
Quiet Respondents voiced a strong need for quiet spaces in the
building to support studying, reading and telework. The
design of the enclosed Study Hall should support the library
in offering “silence as a service” to the greatest extent
possible.
Protection from sunlight The second floor balcony and rooftop terrace offer multiple
options for outdoor areas for short or long dwell times.
Concerns raised by the community indicate that shade or
coverage solutions are important. In addition, the bright,
light-filled interior spaces shown in the renderings raised
comments and questions about whether there will be window
coverings or treatments to block UV rays.
c) Ideas for City Centre Library:
Design Feature Feedback:
Public Art When asked how important it is to have public art in the
Library, 77% said it was important or very important.
Family-friendly amenities in
the children’s area
Some ideas offered by parents and caregivers with small
children included a family washroom and nursing area near
the Children’s Area, racks for coats and boots, and stroller
parking.
Outlets for charging devices Many responses mentioned the use of personal devices in a
variety of spaces. This highlights the need for electrical
outlets throughout the building including outdoor spaces and
embedded in the feature staircase.
Curbside pick-up 76% of respondents said they were interested in the library
continuing to offer curbside service to pick up library
materials.
Telework/work from home
support
The pandemic has increased demand for telework or remote
work options. 78% of participants said it is important to have
access to individual workspaces to participate in virtual
meetings or take a phone call at the library and 68% said
they are likely to use the library to telework for a half day.
Additionally, the community highlighted the importance of
being able to reserve a place for telework.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 5
2. Seniors & Youth Centre
In addition to the Community Consultation conducted in 2021, seniors and youth stakeholder
groups provided extensive feedback to staff earlier in the design an planning process. Both
stakeholder groups were pleased with the design of the facility and provided positive
comments that earlier feedback on amenities an d design features had been included.
a) Most popular design features of the Seniors & Youth Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
Gymnasium Youth and seniors identified a number of highly desirable
programs that would be accommodated in the gymnasium
including badminton, pickleball, basketball and volleyball. It
was noted that a gymnasium is a much needed amenity.
Drop in and registered programs should be considered.
Multipurpose space The multifunctional nature of the first floor program rooms
was well received as well as the inclusion of kitchen space
and room dividers to allow for flexibility. Programs such as
guest speakers, social dances and games programs all
received high ratings from survey participants.
Art program space The specialized space provided in the art room was well
received and arts and craft programs were identified as
highly desirable by the youth.
Intergenerational aspect of
the centre
Many community members liked that youth and seniors will
be together in one facility and that the facility would be active
and programmed at all times throughout the day.
Natural light & bright open
spaces
The community responded positively to the natural light and
bright open spaces. Positive comments were also received
on the sightlines and transparency within the building.
E-gaming The youth responded very positively towards the inclusion of
an e-gaming space.
b) Areas to be addressed for the Seniors & Youth Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
Ground level entrance to the
facility
Pavement with interlock was identified as an accessibility
concern as the uneven surface can be difficult for
wheelchairs and those who identity as blind or visually
impaired.
Security Residents wanted to ensure exterior lighting and a security
plan is considered as part of the design of the facility. It
should be noted that a security hub is planned to be housed
in the Seniors & Youth Centre to support City Centre facilities
and that a staffed centralized desk is planned for the main
foyer of the SYC.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 6
c) Ideas for the Seniors & Youth Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
Accessibility & inclusion
features
Consideration should be given to make the facility as
accessible and inclusive as possible. Features such as a
wheelchair charging station and non-gender washrooms
were suggested.
Parking Access to parking was important particularly for seniors.
Suggestions included specific parking spaces allocated for
seniors, seniors rates for parking or free parking. Availability
of accessible parking and drop off zones were also noted.
Intergenerational
programming
Community members suggested that opportunities for
intergenerational programming such as seniors teaching
youth to play pickleball be considered. Potential for
connections through both casual interactions and intentional
activities was seen as a benefit in the SYC facility.
Sponsorship Opportunities for sponsorships should be investigated to
provide accessible programming and events within the
facility.
Young adult programming Ensure all ages are able to access the facility, with
designated times to include ages outside of seniors and
teens. Current teens expressed that they wanted to ensure
that the facility would also have programming for young
adults, as they would like opportunities for participation when
the facility is built.
3. Public Square
a) Most popular design features of the Public Square:
Design Feature Feedback:
Public Art Survey respondents were asked about their ideas for public
art in the public square. The top three features respondents
would like to see in public art are: A celebration for the
natural environment (89%); a water feature (86%); and public
art featuring local artists (82%). Generally, the community
loved opportunities for public art in the Public Square.
The Public Square concept Respondents expressed a high level of excitement in relation
to the Public Square including opportunities for
performances, community use and as a gathering space.
A vibrant downtown hub Respondents were excited about the possibility of this space
to be a downtown city centre, a hub for gathering, and a way
to support small, local businesses.
Opportunity for
performances and events
Respondents were excited about the potential programming
of this space.
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b) Areas to be addressed for the Public Square:
Design Feature Feedback:
More shade Many respondents identified the need for more shade in the
design.
Traffic, parking and public
transit
There were concerns about the amount of public parking and
competing programs, events and times for the public parking.
Concrete as a design
material
Several respondents specifically mentioned that they would
like to see an alternate materials than concrete used. Green
materials and natural materials like wood were suggested.
How weather would affect
the facility
There was concern about how weather (heat, sun, cold,
wind) would affect the use of the space.
Green spaces, plants,
flowers.
When asked which amenities they would most like to see in
the public square, respondents answered: Plants, flowers
and trees (88%); canopy for shade (76%); public fixed
seating (75%); water feature (72%); and restaurants and
shops fronting the public square (71%).
c) Ideas for the Public Square:
Design Feature Feedback:
Skating rink Outdoor skating rink or trail was mentioned by several
people.
Children’s area Including designated play spaces for children.
Design structures Several respondents suggested design structures like a
bandstand, gazebo or other built structures that would
support programming and add shade to the Public Square.
4. Performing Arts Centre
a) Most popular design features of the Performing Arts Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
General design Respondents expressed a high level of excitement and
praised the design of the Performing Arts Centre
Keeping performing arts
local
91% of survey respondents answered they need to go to
Toronto to see performing arts. There was very strong
support for a local Performing Arts facility.
Survey respondents identified that the top three
performances they would be most interested in seeing at the
Performing Arts Centre are: a dramatic or theatrical play
(90%); a touring musical (85%); and a symphony or
orchestra (76%).
Community use of the space Many respondents were excited about how the community
could use the facility for groups like local choirs, local music
and dance organizations, and for large meeting spaces.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 8
Design Feature Feedback:
Public Art Respondents loved the concept of adding art to the
Performing Arts Centre with colour, use of natural materials
or green art, and supporting local artists. Feedback from
participants is that they wanted to see more public art in the
design.
b) Areas to be addressed for the Performing Arts Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
Traffic and parking Some respondents expressed their concerns over the
potential for increased traffic within the area. There were
some comments about the viability of the underground
parking garage and ability to access public transit. Some
mobility and accessibility concerns were noted as part of this
feedback.
Accessibility concerns,
especially the foyer staircase
Some respondents expressed concerns with the design of
the Performing Arts Centre whereby the stairs creates a
barrier for individuals with mobility challenges.
Competition with Durham
Live
Some respondents were concerned with the potential
competition with Durham Live.
Affordability The affordability of the public to use or attend the Performing
Arts Centre was a significant concern for many respondents.
A variety of programming at many price points should be
offered.
Technology Respondents felt that it was important to build technology
features and infrastructure into the building design.
c) Ideas for the Performing Arts Centre:
Design Feature Feedback:
Dedicated spaces or seating
for children and families
Respondents recommended designate areas or seating for
people with young children to decrease disruption during
performances, or create more opportunities for people with
children to attend performances.
Art gallery Requests for a visual art space in the Performing Arts Centre
or other City Centre facilities.
Add culture into the facility
design
Many respondents wanted to see different cultures
represented in the design and programming of the
Performing Arts Centre.
Design, in general 70 respondents commented on the design features and
recommended the inclusion of a center aisle on the upper
and lower levels, comfortable seating with lots of leg room
and a lounge area.
Accessibility 43 respondents recommended the addition of accessibility
features in the Performing Arts Centre such as an elevator,
CS 35-21 October 21, 2021
Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 9
Design Feature Feedback:
ramps, wheelchair accessible seating, front row accessible
seating for the visually impaired, and having all services on
the same floor. It should be noted that many of these
features are included in the design.
Consultant Review of Performing Arts Centre Design
CAM Consulting also conducted a review of the design of the Performing Arts Centre. The
consultant focused on highlighting some design challenges, from an operational perspective,
that the management of the facility will have to deal with post opening. A summary of the
consultant observations follows:
Design Feature Feedback:
Cloak room The cloak room at the P1 level may be a challenge to
manage access pre and post performance for patrons that
are not accessing the parking garage. Mitigation measures
will be investigated in the final design and/operational plans.
Entrance lobby There is one main entrance into the main lobby and
multipurpose space which shares space with the elevator
and box office. Depending on the ticket check control point
this could cause traffic flow issues.
Main hall lobby First floor lobby narrows by the public washrooms which
could cause a pinch point during peak times.
Orchestra Pit The Orchestra Pit as currently designed can only
accommodate 15 musicians, which can compromise its
viability for use by those seeking this amenity. The Orchestra
pit should be reconsidered.
Loading dock Due to the footprint of the property, the current plan for the
loading dock drive is to be flat to the loading doors and not
raked down to where equipment could be loaded directly
from the truck into the building. While the design includes a
lift mechanism, the labour time and thus costs will increase
significantly with the proposed design. Consideration should
be given to raking one of the loading dock bays
Sound board The sound technician for a musical performance will always
want to sit in the house to properly balance the sound
reproduction. Currently the sound board is planned to be in
the cross aisle which could cause the sound technician to be
disturbed by audience members walking by. Consideration
should be given to alternate designs.
Continental seating The lack of a central aisle in the planned Continental seating
model may be viewed negatively by some patrons due to
challenges accessing the middle section of the rows.
Maximizing seating capacity The Theatre consultant team should look at the possibility of
bringing the front row balcony forward to allow for an
additional row of seating.
CS 35-21 October 21, 2021
Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 10
Design Feature Feedback:
Office space Office space at the facility is currently limited. Office space
should be considered based on the operational plan outlined
in the CAM report to ensure adequate office space for all
proposed staff in an appropriate space in the facility.
Concert Hall vs multi-
purpose theatre with fly
With local demand focused on music and more limited
demand anticipated for theatrical functionality, an
assessment of a multipurpose theatre without a fly tower
could be investigated. If further investigation in undertaken
consideration should be given to operational and functional
efficiencies, storage implications and capital costs.
CAM Consulting also completed a review of the operating principles and draft operating budget
for the Performing Arts Centre. Based on their extensive programming and pres enting
experience in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area market, CAM Consulting provided the
following recommendations.
Programming Feedback:
Live Presenting Buying and presenting touring arts and entertainment
programs should be a significant programming element at the
Performing Arts Centre.
Community rentals Community non-profit rentals should be a major component
of the offerings at the Centre, as a primary goal of the
Performing Arts Centre is the development of cultural
organizations within Durham Region. Some of these
organizations could be resident art organizations that would
have a preferred calendar of dates. It is recommended that
the resident companies should be required to qualify through
an open application process.
Other rentals The Performing Arts Centre should be available for
occasional rentals, either to out-of-region non-profits seeking
a new location, commercial promoters wanting to bring in
events on a rental basis, or private/corporate groups wanting
to use the Performing Arts Centre for events.
Community based programs
and meetings
The Performing Arts Centre should host various community
programs, whether they are town hall meetings, community
celebrations, or commemorative events produced locally with
support of local businesses.
Educational programming The Performing Arts Centre should establish a range of
educational programs, involving partnerships with area
schools.
City of Pickering
programming
The City should have access to the Studio Theatre on
specific days of the week and times of the year to run dance
and performing arts classes and camps.
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Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 11
Savings By Design Program
Throughout the consultation process, some of the feedback from stakeholders have identified
interest in learning more about the “green” features of the buildings and Public Square. In
support of the Council approved 2019-2024 Corporate Energy Management Plan, in 2019, the
City enrolled this proposed development in the Enbridge Savings by Design program, which is
an Incentive program to encourage the design and construction of high -performance, energy
efficient buildings that are at least 15% better than the Ontario Building Code.
Two Integrated Design Process workshops were held, on December 6 and 9 in 2019, to review
the design at that time, and to discuss a variety of products, building systems, and modelling
alternatives that could be incorporated into the City Centre buildings to achieve the noted 15%
target and to provide long-term energy savings to the City. These workshops were facilitated
by Sustainable Buildings Canada and attended by City staff, Cushman & Wakefield, and
representatives from the consultant team, including architects Alliance. Based on the feedback
from these sessions, Sustainable Buildings Canada provided stakeholders with reports,
complete with a series of recommendations to achieve at least 15% better than Code within
each facility.
These recommendations consider the following aspects:
• Durability
• Constructability
• Water Efficiency
• Environmental Impact
• Health and Well-being
• Occupant Satisfaction.
Further to Council approval of report CAO 04-21, on August 23, 2021, staff met with the
development managers and the building design consultants, consisting of ar chitects, structural
and mechanical engineers, building envelop specialists, and theatre consultants, to consider
the design recommendations within the Sustainable Buildings Canada reports. At this meeting,
the consultants advised that the 15% targets are entirely feasible and achievable. Additionally,
many recommendations have been included within the mechanical systems design at the
design development stage.
Recommended Next Steps:
If the City Centre projects are approved by Council to move to the next phase of design, the
information presented in this report will be reviewed with the development managers and
architects-Alliance to consider in the final Pickering City Centre design. It should also be noted
that additional community engagement phases are recommended to continue to engage the
community on the design fixtures, furniture and accessible features, as well as refine the
programming plans and schematics in advance of the opening of the facilities.
CS 35-21 October 21, 2021
Subject: Community Engagement for City Centre Design Page 12
With respect to the Savings By Design program, proceeding to the working drawing phase of
the building design will enable the preparation of detailed specifications and the final selection
of options to meet or exceed the energy efficiency targets. Options will be prioritized based on
available resources, pay-back period, ease of implementation, and alignment with other
performance goals such as occupant comfort. Based on feedback received from the building
design consultants at this point, staff anticipate that any upfront costs derived from improved
energy efficiency options will be integrated within the overall construction costs identified in the
cost estimate provided by Turner & Townsend.
Prepared/Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By:
Sarah Douglas-Murray
Director, Community Services
Original Signed By:
Jackie Flowers
CEO/Director of Public Libraries
Original Signed By:
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
SDM:mc
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer