FAQs

The Multi-Use Recreation Centre is a major investment in the future of our Town Centre Neighbourhood Plan and would provide our community with a community hub for sports, recreation and culture. This project will provide opportunities for improved community health and wellness, economic development and jobs, and thoughtful long-term planning for the community. This project is a major capital project, with phases 1 and 2 (building of the arenas and fieldhouse, respectively) anticipated to cost between $65 and $80 million. This project is a major investment in our community and will require a community-wide effort and shared vision.

This centre could provide us with a huge opportunity to build our community hub and increase our quality of life, health and wellness. It could also support economic development for our community and help realize a vibrant Town Centre, becoming the heart of our community. The Town of White City is the fastest growing community in Saskatchewan and our need for sports, recreation and cultural amenities is growing too. Past community surveys have shown that sports, recreation and cultural amenities are the top priority for the community.

We are seeking feedback and input from the community on what kind of investment they are willing to make.  The survey will ask community members about their level of support for a variety of funding options, including property taxes. 

The Town’s current financial analysis estimate applies a gradual application of property taxes over a 7-year period showing a peak one-year tax increase of $165, under a best-case scenario, or $1056, under a worst-case scenario.  As an approximate yearly average, the anticipated tax impact could range from less than $100 to $600. 

KPMG provided a report to the Town that contains several variables.  Based on the preliminary plan we have today and potential donor and other revenue sources, our analysis shows that we could expect to see the tax increases we have provided.  

As the project continues to develop, costs and impact to taxpayers will be further defined. There continue to be a number of factors that can affect the cost of the project as well as operational finances.  The project board has been approached by several potential partners and they are exploring these opportunities. The inclusion of one or more of these partners into the project may impact the operational finances and support required from the community to fund the facility.  

At this stage the Town wanted to report back to the community on the project and what we have learned so far.  

By late Spring or Early Summer 2021, Town Council will decide on how to proceed with the design development portion of Stage 3. Prior to this decision, we want to listen and learn from the community about what their preferences and insights are for the project. This is our opportunity to build a true community hub and we are committed to doing it responsibility and with the community choice represented in how we move forward together.

Now is the time to connect, learn more and engage so that Council can continue to advance this project with the community voice and choice at the core of its decision making.

Project information will be accessible on the Town website using user-friendly technology. A live project liaison will be available by phone or email to support community members in their online experience. The project liaison will answer questions, assist with registration for community engagement events and Bang the Table and is available to receive community feedback and input throughout the engagement process.

Reach out to Kristi, our community liaison, at 306-519-2165 for help with the virtual platform.

The engagement process is open to all Town of White City community members, community groups and stakeholders, as well as to residents in surrounding communities. The Town of White City wants to listen and learn about the community’s preferences related to the financial investment from this project and phasing. Due to COVID-19, the public engagement opportunities will be provided virtually.

There are four ways to participate:

1. Share your perspective by taking an online survey.
2. Sign up to participate in a virtual community workshop.
3. Visit the project webpage for timely information and updates.
4. Share your insights and feedback with Kristi, our project liaison.
   • Give Kristi a call at 306-519-2165 or email at kristi@rmdelaney.com.

Our goal is to ensure the Town of White City’s community members, community groups, stakeholders and residents in surrounding communities have the information they need to participate and share their feedback and insights.  

We continue to want to hear from the community about their vision for the Multi-Use Recreation Centre and how it can best meet their needs. While previous community engagement has focussed on the Centre as a whole and overall design aspects, we are now wanting to get into the details: 

• How does the community want to fund this project?
• Do we need to adjust the timelines of phases 1 and 2 so that we can manage the financial investment?
• Does the community want to consider trade offs, such as reducing the amount of seating in an arena, so that the overall financial investment is less?
• What specific elements need to be included in the Centre so that it is an effective and welcoming community hub?

Your input will inform how Council decides to move forward with design development and phasing. Your feedback will help us be better informed when working with architects so that elements, such as, design considerations for common areas or kitchens, can be considered. Additionally, we will be using your feedback on funding to determine how long the construction phases will take. For example, if White City residents are willing to pay higher taxes and participate in fundraising over a shorter period of time, we can build the arenas and fieldhouse more quickly, and therefore have a shorter timeline for completion.

We are currently focusing on Phase 1, Spectator and Community Arenas, and Phase 2, Fieldhouse. From the feasibility and business cases undertaken so far, we’ve learned that some phases of the Centre will cost more to operate and build than others. 

The current phasing of the Centre looks at beginning construction and operations of the phases that will bring in the most operational revenue to support the later phases of the facility, like the aquatics centre and other pieces – it’s almost like putting together a puzzle by starting with the edge pieces.  We’re looking forward to hearing about what other phases and parts of the Centre that residents are excited for and may be able to adjust the timeline to bring forward some amenities from future phases.   However, we want to be open and transparent that bringing forward phases with significant operations expenses, like the pool, will require a greater capital investment from residents and continued support of operations through taxes.

The Multi-Use Recreation Centre fits into the bigger picture for the Town Centre Neighbourhood Plan. The vision for a cultural and entertainment centre for White City and the surrounding community includes having a space for recreation, culture and spectator sports. We are excited to have your input into how we can build a community hub for all!

The feedback and insights that you provide will help to inform Council’s decision on how to proceed with design development and phasing for the Multi-Use Recreation Centre. Realizing the Multi-Use Recreation Centre will require a community-wide effort, there will be more opportunities for community involvement as the project moves forward. Sign up for email updates or stay tuned to the project page news feed for information and engagement opportunities.