10 Reasons to go forward now with a New Community Centre/Arena in Beeton
1. The arena is over 60 years old. Ben Heuchan built three almost
identical arenas in the late 40’s. Stayner and Shelburne replaced
theirs in the 80’s.
2. A number of members of Council and staff are sympathetic to our
cause. The Monteith-Brown Facility Needs Study identified the Beeton
Community Centre as a top priority. $100 K has already been
dedicated to the architectural design of a new facility destined to
serve a population of 10,000 people in the Greater Beeton Area.
3. Since approvals and services are in place, development is
happening now. Developers will be more approachable to support the
new facility as it will enhance their marketing of the community. A
new Community Centre will enhance the recent Downtown Revitalization
Plan.
4. A new full-sized arena would enhance the Beeton Minor Hockey
program, and specific design features could accommodate the soaring
Beeton Ball Hockey League. Additional community service needs could
be met for youth, daycare, seniors, arts, culture, and fitness to
revitalize the community.
5. The Beeton Fair, Honey Festival, and any large community events
and social celebrations would have a fully equipped, new venue.
6. The Official Plan of New Tecumseth, the Official Plan of Simcoe
County, the Growth Plan documents of the province of Ontario, all
support complete communities with all possible services provided
within the core. Each community needs a Community Centre in the
centre of that community. One principle of amalgamation was that
each community should have at least the same level of services that
they had prior to uniting.
7. There is great potential for corporate and community financial
support and for fund raising marketing geared to an exciting new
facility. Over $50 K has been raised already with several new events
planned directing their support to this project. Almost every Beeton
community group is now involved.
8. This is the fiscally responsible solution. Enormous funds would
be necessary for maintaining the existing substandard building that
could be put towards an exciting new facility.
9. We plan to draft a financial plan, with the help of the CAO and
the Treasurer of the Town. Every attempt will be made to minimize or
eliminate tax impact. Funds may be derived from Development Charges,
Reserve Funds, Government Infrastructure Stimulus Grants, and
Community Fund Raising ($500 K).
10. A group called FAB has come forward now to spearhead the
program. If not now, when? If not us, who will step forward in the
next generation?