Quadruplex Quandary
Why Rocky Lake for the Proposed Quadruplex Ice-Surfaces?
Without question Bedford must receive the next ice-surface that includes Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) support. The Burke Oliver report (circa 1998) placed Bedford’s need as one of the top 3. The other areas, including the St. Margaret’s dual ice-surface facility have been built with support of the HRM tax base. The Rock lake Development Association has been working diligently in an effort to provide the desperately needed infrastructure. With its 50 acre site and the Gary Martin Dome scheduled for completion this Spring, our Rocky Lake lands are the only real option.
So why Bedford, and why the Rocky Lake site?
• Bedford is the fastest growing area in Nova Scotia. There is enough approved development to more than double our population. We have a single ice-surface more than 44 years old. Still in reasonable shape, but in no manner providing sufficient capacity for the ever growing need.
• The Rocky Lake site provides ease of access from the 102 and the soon to be constructed Burnside Expressway. This will make the Rocky Lake development accessible from all areas, and serve as one of several focal points for recreation in the future.
• Rocky Lake has grown with the new commercial development. Our lands are serviced and can provide the municipal tax payer HUGE savings ($$) in land cost over every other site.
• Rocky Lake has no environmental issues. The Hammond’s Plains Road site has a significant environmental issue with an attached wet land that flows to Sandy Lake.
• The Hammond’s Plains Road site will add increased traffic level to an already over burdened piece highway. Access will prove to be a challenge to many.
• The Hammond’s Plains Road site is small in size, approximately 5 acres. The Rock Lake site plans provide more than 12 acres for the facility. Plenty of room for parking and future expansion if necessary.
• The Rocky Lake site will also have the Gary Martin Dome, to compliment the new ice-surfaces. The new dome will provide additional ice time to seniors leagues and those not requiring significant spectator participation.
• The Rocky Lake plans for a phase 2, a $30million recreation center of excellence, incorporating dual artificial turf fields and field house, will compliment the HRM inventory of recreation facilities.
• The Rocky Lake commercial development will house a hotel on the site. This will facilitate the holding of tournaments, where players and families can walk to the rink.
• The Rocky Lake site is adjacent to CP Allen High School and Bedford Junior High. The site is also within the catchment for both Sackville High School, Lockview High School and many other secondary schools.
Where is the Rocky Lake Project now.
• RLDA own 50 acres of land for recreational development (current approximate value $500,000 per acre)
• Lydon Lynch Architects have completed a site and facilities plan
• HRM Building Permit issued December 2008
• Foundation, and water line are completed. Dome inflation scheduled for late January and full facility completion by Spring 2009.
• No cost to the HRM municipal tax role for the Gary Martin Dome facility. All funding through through non-municipal source.
The Rocky Lake site is the ONLY site that makes fiscal sense. Its location, ease of access (including the fast tracked Burnside expressway), planned phase 2 additions, land cost, parking and expansion capability, adjacent amenities including planned hotel, all add up to a winning location. We need our regional councilors to rise above the politics of the issue and recognize Rocky Lake as the best site and most cost effective solution for municipal taxpayers. Thank you for reading and we look forward to your support.
(Left) Rocky Lake 50 Acre Site. Blue area designates 12 acre rink land.
(Right) Aerial taken in 2005, showing CPA and Rocky Lake Lands. Also shown is an approximation of the fast-tracked Burnside collector.
The decision should have been easy. Ask you councillor
