The Future of the Fenlands
Opportunity for Renewal
When The Fenlands was built, certain rooms were constructed for specific use by a private hockey school (the Banff Hockey Academy). The hockey school paid the Town for private use of that space. The hockey school left Banff in 2020 and that space became empty. In response, a public engagement process commenced to see how the community would like that space and others in the facility used in future years.
In Phase 1 we asked the public if we should look at changing the space to make it available for public uses, or should the Town look for a new private organization to lease/rent the space for exclusive use by the ice sports organization or business. Overall, we heard that the public would like to see this space used for and by the community.
In Phase 2 we asked the public for feedback on the concept options for the empty lease space and other under utilized spaces based on the feedback received in Phase 1.
Winter ice sports to remain – Some spaces in The Fenlands were not considered for renewal, including the curling or ice rinks for winter sports and curling lounge. But, the rinks could have different uses in the summer season.
Space limits – We did not seek feedback on activities that could not be added inside The Fenlands because of the building’s limitations. The parking area, meadow and surrounding area were also excluded.
New or temporary fieldhouse – Participants were also asked about a variety of options for a potential fieldhouse to inform future planning. Fieldhouses are typically home to indoor sporting events and activities such as soccer, lacrosse, badminton, ultimate frisbee, football and more. Options in Phase 2 included a seasonal turf field on one of the arena dry floor's in the summer.
What We Heard
The engagement findings were compiled into the What We Heard report and were presented at the January 10 and January 24, 2022 regular meetings of council with the following motions made:
(January 10) 9.2 Request for Decision: Options for The Fenlands
COU22-11
That Council direct administration to seek a private lease for the BHA space as outlined in Option 2 of the report.
For: (2): Councillor Christensen, and Councillor Pettigrew Against: (4): Mayor DiManno, Councillor Canning, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Pelham MOTION DEFEATED
(January 24) 7.2 Request for Decision: Options for The Fenlands
COU22-34
That Council:
1. Approve the purchase of a removable indoor turf field, and equipment to operate a drop-in cardio and free-weight room and to rent seasonal turf at The Fenlands in 2022 (Option 1), as outlined in the Report, for a total cost of $216,380 to be funded 50 per cent through the General Capital Reserve and 50 per cent through a private donation; and
2. Direct that this New Service Level be reflected in The Fenlands Operating Budget by way of increasing the associated annual operating revenues and expenditures as outlined in the budget section of this Report.
For: (6): Mayor DiManno, Councillor Canning, Councillor Olver, Councillor Pelham, Councillor Pettigrew and Councillor Ram Against: (1): Councillor Christensen MOTION CARRIED
COU22-35
That Council direct Administration to proceed with Option 3, the Fenlands Future Project, as outlined in the Report and in the Attachment, Opinion of Probable Cost prepared by CostPlan Management Ltd., by approving design costs of $538,000 in pre-design in year 1, 2024, and $1,062,000 in detailed design in year 2, 2025.
For: (5): Mayor DiManno, Councillor Canning, Councillor Olver, Councillor Pelham, and Councillor Ram Against: (2): Councillor Christensen and Councillor Pettigrew MOTION CARRIED
COU22-36
That Council Direct Administration to proceed with Option 3, the Fenlands Future Project, as outlined in the Report and in the Attachment, Opinion of Probable Cost prepared by CostPlan Management Ltd., by:
i. Returning to Council, through the Governance and Finance Committee, no later than Q3 2022, with detailed costing for construction of the Fenlands Future project incorporating zones 1-6 to seek approval to tender;
ii. Seeking third party funding to support the construction of zones 1-6 as identified in the Opinion of Probable Cost prepared by CostPlan Management Ltd;
iii. and Seeking consultation from local businesses in the fitness industry.
For: (6): Mayor DiManno, Councillor Canning, Councillor Olver, Councillor Pelham, Councillor Pettigrew and Councillor Ram Against: (1): Councillor Christensen MOTION CARRIED
Where we are now
Since the public engagement process in 2021 the Fenlands Future has achieved the following outcomes:
- The Fenlands is now how to a seasonal indoor turf field. The indoor turf field with regulation futsal nets supports a variety of sports such as futsal, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate and more. The turf is the new Nexxfield X-Gen2 high-quality, concussion rated, FIFA approved, zero infill artificial grass (no carpet rolls here!). https://banff.ca/1245/Fenlands-Indoor-Turf-Field
- A small fitness room now occupies the former BHA physio room and includes a mix of free weight, cardio and stationary equipment. Banff residents have daily access to the space, and provides discounted drop-in and membership pass pricing for lower income individuals. https://banff.ca/1246/Fenlands-Fitness-Room
In addition to the above, 2024 has administration working with architectural consultants to develop design drawings and costing that respond to the community needs identified through the public engagement process. These revised drawings and refined costing documents will be presented to council during the 2025 service review process.
