Phase 2: The West Central Community Centre Update

Given some of the dynamics surrounding the development of Phase 2 The West Central Community Centre, Council asked Group 2 to hold 2 workshops before making a decision regarding how to proceed. The purpose of the workshops was to:

1. Understand the choices before them, and the implications, pros and cons of each alternative.

2. Generate a list of Guiding Principles that will act as a compass for moving forward.

3. Create a commitment to work together toward one common goal that benefits the entire community.

What follows is a summary of the report.

Attendance at the workshops was low, with less than 25 people attending both workshops. The first two goals were realized with the participants: people understood the choices before them and a list of guiding principles was developed. According to Group 2 there was not a strong “commitment to work together toward one common goal that benefits the entire community.” As a result, Group 2 goes on to say, Council and Administration does not have the social license to proceed with confidence.

The report discusses two ways negotiations may occur: "interest based or position based. Interest-based collaboration focuses on meeting the underlying concerns, needs or interests of all of the citizens. Citizens are encouraged to communicate what is important about an issue rather than arguing for a specific position or solution. Position-based thinking is a traditional, power based negotiation tactic and does not look for common solutions. A stance or ‘position’ is taken early in the process and people focus on their own wants and needs. It is often adversarial with little focus on future relationships.”

The report goes on to say: “One group has consistently taken a ‘position based’ approach--the performing arts group. They are the only group to adopt this tactic and refuse to consider approaches other than their own. There were several declarations made; most notably these included:

·         Stating they ‘will walk away from the table’ and not participate if a phased approach is chosen.

·         Stating they will withhold funds and begin a parallel process wherein they would build their own theatre.

·         Repeatedly discrediting the capital cost projections and the operational cost projections, despite the rigourous approach and applicability of the referenced facilities.

·         Disregarding the results of the public input questionnaire that indicated 70% of the respondents supported an approach with aquatics as the first phase.

·         Believing that programming and booking challenges that have burdened similar theatre facilities will not happen to them and declining to submit data to support this belief.

This ‘position-based’ approach has the potential to divide the project and the community. Despite the performing arts group deep belief in their position, they represent a very small percentage of population. The views of the ‘silent majority’ whose presence was seen in the surveys must be weighed against this position.”

The good news is that a list of guiding principles was developed by the interest based participants and includes:

·         Goal clarity

·         Commitment to a common goal

·         Clear direction

·         Strong leadership

·         Socially and fiscally vibrant

·         Trust: do not look back on past hurts

·         Future based—always think about the future

·         Sustainable

·         Change silos to collaborative effort

·         Pride in ourselves and community

·         Strategic fundraising efforts

·         Engage with the younger generation

·         Identify and celebrate benchmarks

·         Smart human resources

·         Socially and fiscally vibrant

The report also highlights that we are taking an integrated or unified approach to planning; these should be public documents before the end of March. We are assessing or pursuing these projects:

·         Regional Landfill

·         Reducing the infrastructure deficit

·         Conducting an infrastructure assessment to ensure our water treatment plant and the waste water lagoon has the capacity to cope with our commercial, industrial, and residential growth.

·         Our storm water system,

·         Water mains and more.

·         Town Square.

·         Implementing the traffic study,

·         New Fire Hall and a new ladder truck

The report says that “Administration and Group2 painted a very clear picture of the realities in which Kindersley was operating within. The participants spoke on the need for clear decisions, strong goals, and a strategic approach to achieving those goals.”

As a result of what was heard at the workshops Group 2 has revised their recommendation from Option B to Option C: “Based on our analysis, removing or reducing the barriers is more probable under Option C: A Phased Approach. Option A would dramatically increase all restrainers other than ‘Position based thinking’ which would be reduced.”

Here are the recommendations from the report:

1.       Council formally approve the phased approach (Option C) should the Town feel that this project merits further investment in relation to other capital projects currently being considered.

2.       Obtain a formal decision from the performing arts group whether they wish to participate further or not.

3.       Formally bring to conclusion the MUBC committee and celebrate the success of this group.

4.       Appoint a new strategic facility development committee.

5.       Complete a strategic plan and detailed work plan for the committee that clearly outlines goals, initiatives and performance measures.

6.       Complete a communication plan for the initial stages of the project (that can be bridged into the fundraising plan).

7.       Hire a firm that specializes in capital project fundraising to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan with a goal to raise the necessary funds for the project.

8.       Begin implementation of first steps of the fundraising plan.

Further, I think two more things need to be done to start the project on the right foot:

1.       Form an arm’s length Fundraising Group with their own charitable number and trust account that is responsible for fundraising.

2.       Form a Building Committee.

This has been a long process for us and I appreciate your patience. We are being intentional to ensure that Phase 2 the West Central Community Centre is a success both as a facility and as a project that binds Kindersley together.

Please email me your thoughts and questions; they are most welcome. If you want a copy of the report please email me.