Still in rehearsal, but moving forward with planned performing arts centre along Barrie waterfront

The script to build a performing arts centre (PAC) in Barrie has had numerous rewrites.

The latest proposal, recently approved by city councillors, is the schematic design, and $455,000 from the city's theatre reserve to Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA) to refine the project scope and enhance the accuracy of the projected construction cost.

The preliminary building cost is close to $65 million($64,998,143).

The proposal is to construct the PAC at the existing Sea Cadets site and adjacent city-owned property on Simcoe Street in the area between Mary Street and Bayfield Street. The Sea Cadets are moving to an expanded General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre.

Coun. Amy Courser asked if the project could result in the Spirit Catcher being moved, if the McLaren Arts Centre, which oversees the Spirit Catcher, had been notified and was part of the discussions, and at what point might that happen.

"The architects have, as you point out, they've got an idea of relocating the Spirit Catcher. But we haven't agreed to do this," explained Rick Pews, the city's Director of Corporate Facilities. "We may, we may not. I don't think it's going to be as expensive as you might think. Honestly, it may provide an opportunity to take care of deferred maintenance and that sort of thing."

Contained in HPA's report to councillors, the schematic design and accompanying cost estimate were developed based on the following key program elements, including a 45,000 square-foot facility, large and small performance venues, with seating for 1,000 and 600 people.

There would be a 50 to 75 seat restaurant, a multipurpose rehearsal event performance space accommodating 200 to 250 people, lobby and patron services area, tenant restaurant and kitchen services, backstage, production, and building support areas, exterior features including main entrance, drop-off areas, loading zones and a terrace.

HPA was unable to nail down a more firm cost estimate.

"This estimate provides only general cost guidance and is subject to significant variability, typically within a range of 30 to 35 per cent accuracy, due to the limited design detail."

The dollar figure presented by HPA is for hard construction costs, development and building permit fees, and soft costs, including consultant fees and municipal staff time.

"The primary source of uncertainty in the estimate is related to hard construction costs, as key project details such as structural systems, material selections, equipment selections, and finishes have not yet been fully defined at the schematic stage," the HPA report stated.

The city is also expected to fish for funds that might be available from the provincial and federal governments to help pay for the PAC.

"I can tell you that there's not a day that goes by that I don't harass other levels of government for money," said Mayor Alex Nuttall.

With big projects like the PAC, Nuttall said the fuel was never put in the tank to make it past the finish line.

"The problem with every plan and strategy that we've put together over the years is not that they're not well-intentioned, it's not that they weren't good plans, and it's not that we had the wrong people in the room. When it comes to these projects, we're now putting fuel in the tank."

Coun. Clare Riepma said plans for a PAC are finally coming together.

"I am convinced, I know it's true, that people who participate in sports also participate in the arts. People who are participating in the arts also participate in sports. I think that it's often one or the other, but it's really just one. I think we're working on building a great city, and this building will be part of that."

City council will consider final approval at its June 18 meeting.