HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 23-23
Report to Council
Report Number: CS 23-23
Date: June 26, 2023
From: Sarah Douglas-Murray
Director, Community Services
Subject: Interim Program Space in Seaton
-File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 23-23, regarding Interim Program Space in Seaton, be received;
2. That staff be directed to further investigate opportunities for Interim Program Space in the
Seaton Commercial Plaza at Taunton Road and Peter Matthews Drive including rental, fit
out, and lease terms;
3. That staff develop a draft program plan budget for the proposed space;
4. That staff report back to Council in Q4, 2023; and
5. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as outlined
in this report.
Executive Summary: As per Resolution #142/23, staff were directed to explore
opportunities with the commercial/retail plazas and developers/owners, for the interim use of
commercial/retail spaces for delivery of City recreation and leisure programming, and that City
staff report back to Council with opportunities and recommendations by the end of second
quarter 2023.
This report will provide Council with information about a potential site for Interim Programming
Space in Seaton, and will seek Council endorsement to further investigate the site and to
develop a program plan and budget to be returned to Council in Q4, 2023.
Financial Implications: There are no financial implications at this time.
Discussion: In Spring 2018, residents began moving into new homes in the Seaton
community. The development of this community is expected to attract 70,000 new residents
and 35,000 new jobs. As the population of Seaton continues to grow, the need for recreation
and leisure programs also grows. Currently, Seaton residents do not have any local facilities
offering City recreation programs. Moreover, City programs are not anticipated to be locally
available to Seaton residents until the completion of the Seaton Community Centre anticipated
in 2029 (located at the southeast corner of the future Burkholder Drive and re-aligned
Whitevale Road).
CS 23-23 June 26, 2023
Subject: Interim Program Space in Seaton Page 2
The City of Pickering currently operates sports-based recreation, and leisure programs in
adjacent neighbourhoods from municipal facilities such as Chestnut Hill Developments
Recreation Complex, East Shore Community Centre, West Shore Community Centre, George
Ashe Library & Community Centre, and Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre. Municipal
recreation programs are also offered at three Pickering secondary schools and three
elementary schools through the Community Use of Schools Agreement. The Community
Services team will also be expanding recreation and fitness programming at Dr. Nelson F.
Tomlinson Community Centre, serving residents in North Pickering starting in fall 2023.
With respect to Seaton residents, local neighbourhood commercial and retail plazas are being
constructed earlier than the municipal facilities and potentially provide opportunities for interim
locations for the delivery of City programming. With an interim recreation and leisure
programing space, the Community Services Department could offer a range of camps, sports,
dance, art, language, and fitness programs for all age groups.
In order to provide a well-rounded and efficient service that best serves the growing Seaton
community, the following program spaces are recommended:
• At least 75 square metres of suitable program space that can be used for leisure
programming like free teen drop-in programs, pre-school programs, language
instruction, arts classes, etc.;
• At least 200 square metres of suitable program space that can be used for fitness,
select sport programs, dance, fitness classes, camps, etc.;
• Front lobby space with desk, computer and small space for people to wait;
• Janitors closet and storage for cleaning supplies;
• Washrooms, including accessible washrooms;
• A small office space that is enclosed to support program administration;
• Large program storage suitable for tables, chairs, sports and fitness equipment; and
• Other back of house areas as may be required.
Staff from Economic Development and Strategic Projects Department met with the ownership
group of the Seaton Commercial Plaza at Taunton Road and Peter Matthews Drive to discuss
an opportunity for interim space for municipal recreation programs. Phase 1 of the
development is anticipated to be available for some commercial users in the latter part of 2024
or in early 2025. With appropriate fit-outs, programming could be offered once the facility is
complete.
Subject to Council’s approval of Report CS 23-23, staff will work with the developer to
determine timelines, available space, fit-outs and lease terms for the commercial space. Staff
would also work to develop a draft program plan and budget for the proposed space and return
it to Council by Q4, 2023. Should Council wish to move forward, the associated cost for such
an initiative will be included in the draft 2024 Budget for Councils consideration.
CS 23-23 June 26, 2023
Subject: Interim Program Space in Seaton Page 3
Attachment:
1. None
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Laura Gibbs Sarah Douglas-Murray
Division Head, Culture and Community Programming Director, Community Services
SDM:lg
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer