Dorset Recreation Centre Update
October 31, 2022
Great news! The project to remediate and renovate the Dorset Recreation Centre is moving along, and the Township has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest from qualified bidders. The Township will be accepting Expressions of Interest until Nov. 16, and associated documents can be found on the Tenders & RFPs page.
We know the closure has been frustrating and that the DRC is a vital and well-loved asset. We all look forward to the work getting underway. Watch this space for ongoing updates and timelines.
The Township of Algonquin Highlands will be recruiting for a newly created Project Manager position, and part of the role of this staff member will be overseeing the work to remediate these issues and complete improvements to the building.
The discovery came in 2021 during a small-scale removal of a moisture-damaged area in the downstairs bathroom, and further investigation found the issue was widespread. The Township undertook a professional assessment to provide recommendations and cost estimates to repair the problem areas. As well as addressing insulation and waterproofing, pandemic-related provincial direction on ventilation requires improvements, with overall estimated costs of some $900,000.
To help alleviate the costs, the Township applied to the Ontario Trillium Fund for the mold/moisture related issue, a process which took four months. Unfortunately, that application was unsuccessful, so Council directed the costs be included in the 2022 municipal budget, specifically from Reserves. Luckily, the ventilation portion of the project has successfully received $100,000 in funding from the separate Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Grant fund.
Currently, the work plans are being finalized, and when the contract is tendered and awarded, a re-opening timeline can be determined. Regretfully, it’s anticipated that the DRC will remain closed for the remainder of 2022 to undertake the scale of repairs and improvements.
There is still lots happening so please take a moment to review the Township’s online recreation activity calendar as well as the information on canoe routes, hiking trails, parks, beaches, playgrounds, sports fields and courts. Recreation staff are available to assist.
The costs are not insignificant, and the Township chose not only to fix the identified problems, but also to invest further in this vital community link.
The staff report on this can be found on the Township of Algonquin Highlands website on the September 16, 2021 Council agenda.
You can find the Activities Calender here.
About the Dorset Rec Centre
The Dorset Recreation Centre is fully appointed with an air-conditioned squash court, weight and fitness room, meeting rooms, two kitchens, showers and a gymnasium equipped with volleyball, basketball, floor hockey and pickleball equipment. The facilities are available for meetings, parties, workshops, dances and weddings.
The Recreation Centre also offers access to public computers, printing and is a free wireless hotspot.
Facility Hours - Currently closed
| Monday to Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday and Sunday | CLOSED |
| Closed Statutory Holidays |
|
Squash Court bookings
Contact Information
Dorset Recreation Centre
1051 Main Street, Box 99
Phone/Fax: 705-766-9968
recreation@algonquinhighlands.ca