Calmar considers two major capital projects

CALMAR -- The Town of Calmar is exploring a pair of significant capital projects. 

One of the projects would allow for major arena upgrades to be completed, while the other would be the "Calmar Outdoor Recreational Grounds" project, also known as CORG. The matter was first discussed on April 30th as part of a staff report, which identified the need for council to provide direction towards a potential planning and design phase for both recreational projects. 

The options identified in the report suggested that while the arena upgrades would be mostly guided by administration, while the CORG project could be led by selected members of council with support of municipal staff. During their regular meeting this week, it was decided that Councillor Jaime McKeag-Reber and Mayor Sean Carnahan would form a task force to move the project forward, while also engaging with the owner of the land adjacent to the planned area to pursue additional opportunities. 

"On the site, there would be a business case that would be prepared -- on behalf of the Town of Calmar -- to lobby the adjacent land owner to Corgi Park," said Calmar CAO Sylvain Losier. "They have made it very clear to us that they would be willing to entertain a Town business case, in potentially using the site for public or park function." 

As for the possible arena upgrades, it's expected that the project would be a costly one and require all sorts of funding avenues to be explored prior to moving ahead. This would include possible grants, sponsorships, donations, fundraising, cost sharing, and even debentures. CAO Losier described the potential next steps for the arena upgrades.

"I would say be prepared for a very robust process of engagement for the arena," said Losier. "Because it is a multi-million-dollar project potentially, and we keep hearing all sorts of ideas."

He notes that both projects would require significant public engagement and the participation of multiple stakeholders and parties.