YMCA in Transcona Commentary: The comments suggest a clear support from participants of this meeting for the concept of a YMCA in Transcona.

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1 YMCA in Transcona Commentary: The comments suggest a clear support from participants of this meeting for the concept of a YMCA in Transcona. Support the idea of the YMCA (or equivalent) in Transcona 40 Opposed to a third party such as the YM-YWCA operating facilities and services 5 the City could/should be running YM-YWCA is an experienced organization with proven track record 2 YM-YWCA more expensive than City facilities YM-YWCA has limited hours Community-based board is desirable This project is for the good of Transcona and must rise above vested and individual projects Recreation in Transcona Commentary: The comments suggest participants of this meeting generally recognized the need for a fitness-type facility in Transcona. Some suggestions and questions include among others: the need for better maintenance of existing facilities, a need for inventory of existing facilities and making use of other site alternatives. Wellness centre concept should be pursued 24 Indoor fitness facilities (gym track, etc.) needed in Transcona 2 Transcona needs more recreation facilities 2 Need for better programming to promote health in seniors and youth 8 City needs to improve maintenance of current facilities 7 Is the RM site of adequate size and the correct location for this project? 5 (alternate sites mentioned: BACM Ravelstone, Park City) Wellness centre located at Concordia hospital would be adequate for Transcona 4 A detailed inventory and evaluation of existing facilities and current needs should 4 be conducted Transcona should concentrate on consolidated, multi-use facilities with multiple 3 services - the way of the future Existing facilities must be rationalized and re-evaluated. Recreation needs are 3 changing due to aging population and influx of immigration, and new developments must reflect this Wasn t Park City going to build a healthy living centre? 2 No skateboard park at RM site 2 Children s playground is needed Outdoor basketball courts are needed Hardball Commentary: The comments suggest participants at this meeting mostly would like for the stadium facility to remain because it meets a unique need and is a cultural asset. A number of participants felt it could be replaced or relocated. There was debate about the reasons for keeping it versus maintaining it. Important community asset, easily accessible, should remain 6 Move facilities elsewhere (Buhler Park?) 6 Not everyone can/wants to drive to Buhler Park 6 Page

2 Indoor soccer/lacrosse facilities needed 4 The stadium is the only full-sized (and Bantam/Midget) diamond in Transcona 3 This field is a piece of the neighbourhood s history 3 Stadium is frequently used 3 If removed, adequate replacement must be offered 2 Stadium are in need of repairs, potentially dangerous in current state 2 Put this large site to better use 2 Buhler charges fees for use, this field does not Field is underused, and not worth keeping This is the only field for suitable for youth baseball in Transcona RM Arena Commentary: There was divided commentary among meeting participants as to the arena should be maintained. Most felt the arena was aging and could be replaced or re-used for some other use such as soccer or lacrosse. Indoor soccer and/or lacrosse facility is needed (Roland Michener arena could be 5 suitable opportunity) The arena is old, outdated and ready for replacement/refurbishment 9 Rink is a community asset; do not close it 9 Must account for lost ice if arena closed/converted 8 Why did the city let the arena degrade to this point where it is too expensive to 2 fix/maintain? Rink is underused Park City and East End are best candidates for new ice facilities Current location is easily accessible, other arenas are too far RM Soccer Commentary: There was divided commentary among meeting participants regarding the soccer pitch. Most felt the soccer pitch should remain as an important local asset. Some participants felt the facility could be replaced elsewhere. Great to have in neighbourhood, should remain 9 Move facilities elsewhere (possibly to Buhler Park) 6 Only full-sized soccer pitch in Transcona 3 City should increase soccer capacity at current site 2 Only field for youth to play soccer on 2 Soccer pitch is in need of repairs, potentially dangerous in current state 2 Easy access, not everyone can/wants to drive to Buhler 2 To say this is the only soccer field is wrong Field is an important part of the neighbourhood for organized soccer and general fitness Buhler park charges admission, serves alcohol Green Space Commentary: Nearly all participants that provided comments regarding greenspace, noted that greenspace is an important part of the community and should not be eliminated. Loss of green space is not desirable 2 Green space is an important part of the neighbourhood Page 2

3 Transcona has plenty of green space, and these areas are not well maintained. A recreation centre would be a better use of these fields Buhler Park is not a substitute for neighbourhood parks Transcona presently has enough green space but this includes the Roland Michener site and Transcona Stadium Green space does not need to be used to justify its existence - provides respite from cement Living near the Roland Michener site Commentary: Minimal commentary was provided on this topic (though see also Parking as a topic below). Those who commented noted a few positives and a few negatives associated with living near the facility. Roland Michener facilities are an important asset in the area 2 Living near these facilities offers easy access Facility patrons currently have a negative impact on the neighbourhood Will these proposed developments impact our property values? Increased maintenance and security needed: vandalism has become a problem Multi-family and Single Family Housing Commentary: There was divided commentary among meeting participants on the topic of housing. While many meeting participants expressed non-support for housing on the site, numerous others noted a distinct need and desire for new 55+/seniors housing. Do not support housing on site housing a particular need; would support seniors housing 9 I support a housing component at this site 4 Build housing elsewhere (alternate given: Pandora, use library site) 2 Single-family development likely would not make sense, multi-family would Single-family homes more desirable than multi-family There are enough new houses/condos in Transcona There is no need for rental apartments in Transcona Housing would not contribute enough money to be worthwhile No public housing If upper-end housing is built at the site, will recreation facilities still be welcoming for other residents? More people in the area (i.e. residential development as part of plan) will mean less access for current residents Pool Commentary: Of those meeting participants who provided commentary regarding pool facilities, the vast majority expressed that a new pool facility is needed/desired. Pool should be replaced/upgraded (accommodate all ages/ families etc.; wading 22 pool, laps, better change rooms) The pool has been an asset for the community 7 There should be an outdoor pool available in addition to an indoor facility 3 Outdoor pool is not a priority 2 Pool is adequate no improvements/replacements necessary Longer hours needed than present Page 3

4 Traffic/parking Commentary: Of those meeting participants who provided commentary regarding parking facilities, the vast majority expressed that parking is both an existing and anticipated concern and that adequate parking to meet facility requirements is essential. Adequate, well-planned parking is essential 4 Nearby residents are negatively affected by current parking situation 4 Current parking insufficient 4 Facility patrons have largely been respectful of neighbourhood residents 3 Current parking is largely seasonal, this concept would generate year-round parking needs Signage is vital to ensure on-street parking disturbances do not occur YMCA will generate far more traffic than current uses Eliminate on-street parking for these facilities Secure bicycle parking is important Library Commentary: There was divided commentary among meeting participants regarding libraries. Most felt the library was old and should be either replaced/relocated or refurbished, a number also felt the existing library was adequate. Library should remain in current location 6 Library is old, outdated needs replacement/refurbishment 6 Incorporating a new library into TRLV makes sense 5 Unless in need of major repair, no justification to replace/relocate 2 Library should remain under control of the City Library should be attached to a school If new facility built, programming space required Daycare Commentary: Minimal commentary was provided on this topic. Those who commented suggested there is a need for more daycare facilities in Transcona. Facilities needed 8 Is this site really the best for a daycare? 2 Increase subsidies for daycare What about using a community club to house a daycare, as they often sit empty Other: Fees Commentary: A few meeting participants noted that the new facilities need to be affordable and a few made suggestions as to how to fund new facilities. New facilities must be affordable 4 Current green space is free to use Non-profit doesn t translate to affordable. Pay-per-use system is more desirable than membership fees Instead of taxes/fees on residents, tax Transcona s large businesses for funding Why can t taxes cover these new facilities? Page 4

5 Other: General Commentary: Meeting participants provided commentary on a variety of other topics particylarly the need to have good access to community facilities, by way of centrally locating, being on a bus route and linking to existing pathways A variety of other comments and suggestions were offered. All facilities must be located on good bus routes 0 Such a facility should be connected to bicycle routes and/or multi-use pathways 4 Roland Michener site is centrally located, and best suited for such a project 3 Group use space/programming space needed (i.e. girl guides, classes etc.) 3 Buhler Park and similar facilities are not accessible to kids on bikes, nor are they 3 within walking distance to most residents Arrangements should be found that utilize existing structures and facilities, such as 2 schools, for community use during evenings and weekends Why continually consolidate facilities? Spreading them throughout the community means everyone has access Would this increase the taxes of those living near the site? That would not be good A coffee shop should be incorporated into this project Wifi would be a great amenity in such a facility Differences between wellness centre and recreation facility have been misunderstood throughout this discussion Timing: project should be complete in 3-5 years Need a grade-separated crossing at Plessis and Dugald road. Page 5