Project News
October 1, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Regional Complex
In the July the Board announced that as a result of the decision to relocate our Wellness Centre project, we joined a group of partners with a common goal to build a Regional complex in Grand Marais. Our Wellness Centre will be a part of this larger Regional Complex. Since that announcement, many members have had questions about this new arrangement. We put several of the most frequently asked questions to our Board of Directors:
Q. Who is in this new partnership and why are they there?
A. The partners who have joined with a common goal of building an East Beaches Regional Complex at Grand Marais are:
East Beaches Recreation and Wellness Coalition Inc.
This group is, of course, us. Our interest is the wellness centre/fitness facility portion of the project along with several of the shared facilities that we will need to access for our programming like a community recreational area, walking track and meeting areas.
Grand Beach and Area Development Corporation Inc.
The GBADC is a group established in 1998. Their interest in the project comes from their mission as stated in their Mission Statement; the Corporation is “a body of concerned citizens, both corporate and private, from the Grand Beach, Grand Marais and surrounding area who are determined to improve the quality of life and increase opportunities through responsible economic development and preservation of our natural and cultural resources and heritage.”
The Grand Marais & District Senior Citizens Inc.
The Grand Marais Senior’s group have wanted to have a permanent home for their programming for some time and they have been setting aside funds for such a purpose. For the past several years, they have been renting space at the Grand Marais Recreational Centre. They, of course, would like to have a portion of the Regional complex as a permanent location for their endeavours,
The Grand Marais Recreational Association Inc.
The GMRA and their many sub groups currently run out the existing Grand Marais “Rec Centre”. From there they provide many programs and events in the centre and surrounding grounds. They also are home to the Grand Marais Curling Club and the skating rink. They have become increasingly concerned over the state of their very old building particularly the Rec Centre portion of the building. This new project will give them an opportunity to replace an aging group of facilities.
The Rural Municipality of Alexander
The RM of Alexander has often partnered with the RM of St Clements on many projects like the East Beaches Fire Hall and Destination Grand Marais. This project, like the others, affects community from both Rural Municipalities and is therefore of concern to each.
The Rural Municipality of St. Clements
The RM of St. Clements first invited this group to form a partnership as part of the Destination Grand Marais Initiative. They have committed land and capital investment for the project along with agreeing to be the prime funding applicant. The RM of St. Clements has also committed to the development of Phase one of the project (the Community Central Visitor’s Centre)
Q. The partners are forming a Board. What is the goal of that Board?
A. The new Board that will be formed consists of Directors appointed by each of the partners plus several Directors who will be invited to the Board for their expertise in areas important to the Board.
The Mission Statement of the Board is to “ensure the successful development and construction of a multi-use complex, which will serve the East Beaches Region in its aspirations for improved and enhanced social and economic conditions and overall quality of life.”
Q. What happens to the Capital Campaign Committee that we have set up?
A. Our Capital Campaign Committee have been aware of all of the developments (and in many instances have been a direct part of the events). It has become more evident to the Committee, as events unfold, that there can realistically be only one Capital Campaign for the whole Complex. They are currently working on the merging of our Capital Campaign initiatives into one overall campaign before the public appeal begins.
Q. Do we still need a Special Events Fund Raising Committee?
A. Absolutely yes! The Coalition still has many initiatives and functions that are of our own financial responsibility and will not be a part of the Regional Complex project. The Board is currently working on its next year’s budget as we focus on the resources that we will need to ensure that not only are our interests in the Regional Complex met but also that we continue to focus on other initiatives to fulfill our Mission Statement to “strive to be a model for the promotion of wellness in body, mind and spirit that fosters a sense of community, a positive attitude and a collective creative spirit.”
Q. Is the Coalition’s job now done?
A. Certainly not. Although the overall development of the Regional Complex will be steered by the new East Beaches Regional Complex Board, we still will be expected to determine the requirements for the “Wellness Centre” and the “Shared Facilities” portions of the Complex. Additionally we will soon have to start determining the types of equipment and amenities that we need for our Wellness centre programming.
Q. What has happened since the announcement?
A. There has been a flurry of meetings, papers and activity. These are the highlights.
June: The East Beaches Regional Complex Committee was formed and immediately started the task of working out the details of the partnership and submitting Federal Grant Applications.
July: A draft Memorandum of Understanding was developed to establish the responsibilities of all of the partners. The Committee “polled” various sponsor groups, community organizations and businesses for input on their “needs and wants” for the Complex. The Architects began preliminary work on the Complex.
August: A “Board Development Committee” was struck to create a constitution and other resources to evolve the E.B. Regional Complex Committee into a Board.
September: The East Beaches Regional Complex Board was initiated with its formation meeting slated for early October. The “Sponsor Groups” start appointing their Director and alternate to the Board.
Q. What happens next?
A. On October 3rd the sod turning will take place for Phase One of the project which is Community Central (the visitor centre).
The new Board will begin operation and immediately start appointing members to round out the balance of skilled Directors required to effectively operate.
Working committees will be begin work, including the Capital Campaign Committee for the entire Complex.
Construction will begin on Phase Two and subsequent phases as funding is established.