The results from a City of Cranbrook statistically valid survey shows that the public thinks the old Library site next to the Western Financial Place would be the best location for a new gymnastics club.
The Key City Gymnastics Club recently requested space on city land to construct a new facility and is open to co-locate with child care.
Mayor Wayne Price said it’s an interesting proposal that could bring a significant benefit to the community without costing them.
“The city simply cannot afford to build large new recreational facilities, as the gymnastics club is proposing. The increasing costs to maintain the existing buildings we have present a significant challenge while trying to keep tax rates as low as possible,” Price said.
“The city is open to proposals where other groups are willing to cover the costs of building and maintaining a large recreational facility, with no burden on taxpayers, to enhance the quality of life for Cranbrook residents.”
City council wanted to make sure the public could provide input on potential locations after they were met with some backlash last year to a proposed childcare facility at Gyro Park.
The statistically valid survey was launched and the results how 76 per cent of residents would prefer the location on the old library site.
CAO Mark Fercho said the public is open to using underutilized city land.
“When we did the budget survey, one of the questions we asked there was talking about leasing or disposing of underutilized city properties and there was a fairly strong support for the city doing things with land that is seen as underutilized,” he said.
Council has not decided on anything at this points. Discussions are expected to continue on the topic during a June 16 committee of the whole meeting.
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