What is the project?

In 2005 the Town of Drumheller completed a new Recreation Master Plan  After a review of existing facilities, as well as public and stakeholder input, it was determined that our region's facilities are aging and we are no longer able to provide our citizens with the facilities provided by other communities of similar size.  Graham Edmunds Cartier Architecture was commissioned, a steering committee was formed, and a two phase multi use Community Facility was proposed.

What does the facility include?

Phase 1: Standalone Facility

Phase 1 is a standalone facility, which includes a fieldhouse, conference facility, community spaces, wellness centre, and running track. The standalone building would be constructed east of the existing arena and aquatics centre, which is located one block north of the downtown core and south of the Red Deer River, on Town owned land.

Proposed Main Floor Plan

Field House:

• Use for a wide variety of dry sports such as:

• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Ball Hockey
• Badminton

 

• Change rooms
• Other optional uses include a trade show area for conferences, graduations and Remberance Day Services.

Support Spaces:

• Administration area
• Retail component
• Building service areas

Meeting Spaces:

• 9500 sq.ft. meeting facility
• Accommodates 500 persons in banquet configuration
• Sub-dividable into smaller meeting rooms
• Pre-function concourse area
• Proposed catering kitchen
• Use for other activities such as:
• Dance
• Brownies/ Scouts
• Karate
• Fitness Classes

Proposed Second Floor Plans:

• Running track and fitness area overlooking fieldhouse
• A second level running track and fitness area ensures this area doesn’t close due to activities and events on the lower level of the facility.
• This area will be especially beneficial to seniors, providing a place to exercise year-round in a safe, warm environment.

Phase 2 would see an addition to the aquatics building, a second ice sheet, new curling facility and connecting the phase 1 development to phase 2 and the existing arena.

Proposed Main Floor Plan

• curling facility
• second ice sheet

  
Proposed Second Floor Plans

• Lounge space with views of ice surfaces and curling

How long will it take to build the facility in phase 1?

We expect design and construction to take approximately 23 months.

What is the cost?

Phase 1: Standalone Facility

• Probable construction cost for phase 1in 2008 dollars is $22,280,000

How will it be paid for?

Construction costs will come from a variety of sources including:

• fund-raising
• provincial and federal grant funding
• capital reserves
• long term borrowing
• tax base

What is the impact on my taxes?

Total Impact on Taxes

What was the level of Public Consultation?

The public consultation process for the Recreational Master Plan included all facets of the public.  The following methods have been used in collecting data from the Town of Drumheller population:

• A household survey (sent to ~3,600 households in the Town)
• A student survey distributed to a random sample of students grades 6 and up in the Town (500 responses)
• A user group survey (sent to 37 user groups)
• Personal interviews with user group representatives (24), Elected Officials and Administration, and other community stakeholders

In total the public consultation engaged over 3,200 residents broken down as follows:

What does a 17% response rate on the Recreation Master Plan mean?

The level of response for the household survey was appropriate at 17 per cent.  Typical response levels in public consultation projects in similar communities, which we (Randall Conrad and Associates Ltd.) have been involved, range between 12-30 per cent depending on the level of community interest.  At a response rate of 17 per cent, the household survey can be considered statistically valid (+/- 3.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20). 

In social survey research, a margin of error of +/- 5 per cent, 19 times out of 20 is considered typical for considering survey data to be statistically valid.  This means that if the survey were completed again on a random basis (meaning that potentially new respondents were added to the mix) the results would be within +/- 5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.  The level of response received for Drumheller indicates a “better than typical” margin of error of only + or - 3.5 per cent as opposed to the standard +/- 5 per cent.

What is the future of the Skateboard Park?

The current skateboard park is in need of upgrades and is currently not meeting the needs of the youth in the region.

The Drumheller Skateboard Committee is working to build a new concrete bowl at the Ski Hill.  This location will partner well with the mountain bike track and hiking trail and will be a great addition to the activities already under construction in the area.

The Town of Drumheller is supportive of the Skateboard Committee in realizing this vision.

What is the future of the John Anderson ball diamond?

After looking at several options to relocate John Anderson baseball diamond the Town is proposing to expand and upgrade Diamond #2 at Newcastle Park.

By improving the field, extending the fence line, installing new dug outs and constructing new bleachers, a superior regulation size ball diamond will be created which will be able to hold both softball and baseball games.  Grouping the diamonds in one location would be ideal for tournaments and will help Drumheller maintain its strong baseball history for years to come.

What is the plan for the tennis courts?

The tennis courts are not affected for phase 1 of this project and will remain where they are.  In fact, the ability to play tennis will be extended throughout the year as you can play tennis in the fieldhouse.

Do you have additional questions?

Use our helpful form below and a representative from the town will answer your inquiry within 2 business days.