Community Centre Re-Development

August 24th, 2010 – What’s in a Name?

Names are important, get it right and all sorts of good things can happen!

Morden Community Centre RedevelopmentIn November, 2009, a Marketing Opportunities campaign provided public-spirited individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and community groups with the opportunity to sponsor a variety of Morden's recreational facilities, in return for naming rights.  The campaign was designed to support the Town’s commitment to delivering high quality public services at the same time as giving businesses a great advertising opportunity.  The Community Centre is a very busy place, approximately 300,000 people used the facilities in 2009, so clearly those who participate in the naming campaign will enhance their organizations visibility. This venue is a space for the whole community and the support from the businesses helps confirm this vision. 

Vern's Carpets PlayroomOn August 23rd, the first two participants in the naming campaign were approved by Town Council. The two confirmed participants are: Vern’s Carpets for the new indoor play centre and Huron Windows Corporation for the west arena.

"It's always a rewarding experience when business owners come forward with this type of support.  It demonstrates real commitment, dedication and loyalty to the community.  Council greatly appreciates their generosity,” said Councillor Maurice Butler.

Morden Community Centre RedevelopmentThe Marketing Opportunities Committee, chaired by Director of Community Services, Clare Agnew, is completing negotiations with two additional participants in the campaign and hopes to make these announcements in the near future. 

Naming right opportunities are still available for the overall community centre building, one meeting room, the east arena and the spray park.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Clare Agnew at 822-5431 or cagnew@mordenmb.com.

“It’s great to see the project come together and the support from the business community is always so encouraging. The fresh updated look of the Community Centre will be enhanced by the new identification of the areas within the venue.” said Clare Agnew – Director of Community Services.


Morden Community Centre New EntranceUpdate - June 10th, 2010

The whole idea of it’s going to get worse before it gets better – is certainly the case with construction and renovations. The focus now is on the main entrance to the building ensuring access for high school graduation in June. At the same time, the west arena basement floor is being jack hammered for the installation of a new sewer line and improvements to the washrooms and floors in the change room area. The progress is certainly steady and it’s exciting to see the project come together. The target date for the completion of the entire project is November 2010.

Morden Community Centre EntranceUpdate - March 15th, 2010

The Community Centre Renovations are progressing at a steady pace. The new entrance to the building is taking shape and is a much anticipated addition. Construction of the main entrance is expected to be complete by June 2010. The upcoming provincial and regional competitions in both arenas will be a good test for the newly installed sound system. The overall project is over budget and there will have to be some cuts. It will all be completed by November 2010 with all necessary certification expected by February 2011.

Update - December 11th, 2009Morden Community Centre Development

PHASE 3 Renovations Underway – Parking May Be an Issue But It Will Be Worth It!

The drawings are finalized, plans are in place, and construction has started! Phase 3 of the Community Centre construction project includes:

  • renovations to the main entrance
  • reconfiguration of the office space
  • opening the north lobby into the West Arena
  • completing the sprinkler work in the east and west arena basement areasMorden Community Centre Development
  • construction of two meeting rooms, an accessible washroom in the main lobby area, and an indoor play area
  • expansion of the south addition including a renovated stage area and storage.

Drawings of the renovation work are displayed at the Community Services Office located at the Community Centre. The project is meeting many needs within the community and will provide us with an amazing building that serves as the hub of the community. The building Morden Community Centre Developmentwill now meet all fire regulations, accessibility standards and health codes. As well, our patrons will have more space and be more comfortable. Please watch for directional signage for entrance into the building, parking, and accessibility options.

There may be some inconveniences during the construction period; we will do our best to accommodate people and events.  We trust that it will be worth it in the end! Morden’s facility is often the envy of other communities and with these renovations will continue to be so well into the future.

Update - October 1st, 2009

  • WBS and Affinity Architects will be continuing the work,
  • We will be starting construction in October,
  • The Concrete and steel is being tendered now, the other tenders will be sent out in November,
  • Final completion is not determined at this point – until tenders come in,
  • Outside work will be done first, moving inside once the shell has been constructed,
  • We will not be doing work that will interrupt Christmas banquets and concert

Funding

Morden was the fortunate recipient of $894,094 from theRecreation Centre Re-Development Plan-1 federal government through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program. We’re working on finalizing plans and contracts in preparation to begin construction in the fall. (2009)

Phase Three

The third and final phase of the Community Centre Re-development project includes:

  • renovating the main entrance,
  • reconfiguring office space,
  • opening the north lobby into the West Arena,
  • completing the sprinkler work in the east and west arena basement areas,
  • constructing two meeting rooms,
  • constructing an accessible washroom in the main lobby area,
  • an indoor play area,
  • and expanding the south addition including a renovated stage area and storage.

Morden Recreation Centre Re-DevelopmentDrawings of the renovation work are displayed at the Community Services Office located at the Community Centre.

Phase 1 and 2 of the construction project was completed by funding from the Town of Morden ($2,560,301.37) and Community Places Grants ($73,000).

The overall Phase 3 construction project is budgeted at $2.7 million, with the federal government grant covering a third of the costs.  The Town is working on ways to fund the remaining $1.8 million and will communicate with the public as decisions are confirmed. A Marketing Committee will be developing a plan to approach the community for support.

The financial commitment to the renovations of the Community Centre has been quite substantial; the overall project costs are approximately $5.2 million. The project is meeting many needs within the community and will provide us with an amazing building that serves as the hub of the community. The building will now meet all fire regulations, health codes, and accessibility standards and provide more comfort for our patrons. Morden’s facility is the envy of other communities and will continue to be so well into the future.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we complete the upgrades to your facility.

What work was part of the other two phases?

Phase One:

  • New Kitchen,
  • New buffet service area, which can also be used as a meeting room,
  • New storage room for tables and chairs used in the Community Hall,
  • New entrance to the Community Hall,
  • New coat check room for the Community Hall,
  • Expansion of the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame,
  • Expansion of the lobby area by removing the walls of the previous Physiotherapy office.

Phase Two:

  • New maintenance shop,
  • New Community Hall washrooms.