My views on funding of Recreation Centers

Potential Funding Options

 

To Build the Four Proposed

 

Recreation Centres in Calgary

 

 

 December 5, 2011

Alderman Shane Keating

Ward 12

 

 Following the recent, and unfortunate, decision via PPP Canada to deny the City of Calgary’s funding application for the creation of four recreation centers in Calgary, the need to move forward is paramount.

 

There are a number of avenues that can be investigated to accomplish the goal of ensuring that recreation centers are a reality for the hundreds of thousands of Calgarians that would make use of these facilities.

 

With the removal of the PPP Canada option, the City of Calgary must do what it can to ensure that the commitment which made to Calgarians, to provide recreation options to the more that 84,000 children, and their families, in Seton, Quarry Park, Northwest Calgary and Great Plains.

 

The city has funds dedicated for recreation from the Municipal Sustainability Initiate which were part of the original funding schedule attached to PPP Canada application.

 

These funds are still available to be used towards the recreation centers. An innovative approach to using the currently available funds, combined with one or more of the following funding options will result in satisfying the needs of Calgarians.

 

Currently through MSI funding, there is $150 million available to go towards recreation.

 
Current MSI funding allocated

• Seton $70 million
• Quarry Park
• Northwest Regional $70 million
• Great Plains $10 million

The remaining amount would need to come from one, or a combination, of the following sources.

Funding Sources Potential Available Funding

 

• Community Investment Reserve
• Acreage Assessments Levies
• Debt Financing
• Private Funding
• Fundraising

  

In the spirit of moving forward immediately, I have proposed to Administration for their views on how to proceed, using a combination of the above options but not limited too.

. 
Fundraising

 

A potential option to accompany the funds dedicated through MSI and, or, any combination of tax room and reserve fund contributes would be a fundraising component.

 

Not-for-profit groups such as SECRS exist that could fundraise with the intent of supporting the costs of building a particular site(s).

 

If each potential centre had a non-profit organization stewarding the fundraising efforts, the community investment would be high which may offset other financing needs.

 

For-Profit Recreational Organizations


Another opportunity exists where for-profit sports organizations could attach themselves to a particular site and operate as a particular component of the center, for example, Ice or hockey organizations, fitness providers, tennis facilities and other specialized or for-profit outfits that may have an interest.

 

Private Corporation Funding

 

The support of Corporate groups with an interest of providing recreation services within the centers that might provide funds required to underwrite the construction. 

My personal thoughts in memory of Jason Letourneau

It has been 8 days since Jason’s passing. It is very difficult to begin when the one I am writing about usually sat across the desk from me. Having given myself time to reflect, I am now able to write about him.

We would start by defining the topic, and then writing a few main points, bounce around positions. Then I would write and Jason would take my chicken scratch and form a document clear, concise and would resonate with the reader.


With Jason I believed in this saying “Surround yourself with individuals better than you and success will be easy”, Jason certainly fit that role.


In the two years I worked with Jason a friendship grew from respect and admiration of talents and integrity which defined him. Despite the hardships and roadblocks Jason encountered, he did not falter, just planned a road around them.


It was approximately 6 months after we met that I found out he had had a heart transplant. Jason was explaining that he would have to miss work to see the doctor for a check-up.


Discovering another commonality, I had a niece who also worked at City Hall; she did not live long enough to receive a lung transplant. Jason was always open and honest about his health issues, he never expected or wanted any special treatment, although, he would do his utmost to ensure anyone who needed help would receive it.


Jason can rest knowing that one of his many original ideas has lived on. During discussions of the South East LRT, branding as an idea helps all understand and identify the concept. Jason was able to bring “SETWAY” to birth and it has stuck. Attesting to his creative side, along with the song “Those Rings” he had recorded which may be purchased at ITunes.


Jason was a great example of how City Hall is changing. There is a greater presence of social media and open communication. Jason was a great wizard in this area, teaching this old dog a few new tricks. Jason was an integral part of shaping a new way of thinking, creating a better Calgary, not just our area Ward 12. Our office worked as one without the worry of stepping on toes, a true sense of “team”.


We were joking one day and Jason said “Yes master I am your servant” I quickly replied “Oh No! You are my Dobby and I will never give you socks”. Jason had not seen the movie Harry Potter so did not know the meaning of my statement. We then spent the next 20 minutes watching YouTube clips of Dobby laughing the entire time. I believe Jason also knew he was neither a servant nor slave, but a confidant and equal. Often we would chat about a topic not sure how to interpret the situation, Jason’s response was always “Trust your gut”. That is why Jason worked with me, because I trusted my gut and knew Jason was an exceptional individual.


Calgary, City Hall, Ward 12 and I have lost a great advocate and true friend.

Merry Christmas

With 2011 quickly winding down and the holiday season approaching I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and Merry Christmas.

2011 was a very exciting year for Calgary. Many things were accomplished for the residents of Ward 12 and work is in high gear to ensure that Recreation Centers and  the SETWAY remain high on the agenda for 2012.

I look forward to working with you over the next year on the issues that are important to you and all Calgarians.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Shane Keating
Alderman of Ward 12