Maintenance Notice
The public water tap at the Dorset Recreation Centre will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday May 31, 2023.
Water is available at the Dorset Tower (with a fee for entrance) as well as at the Township of Algonquin Highlands Office at 1123 North Shore Road for no fee.
Dorset Recreation Centre Update
May 18, 2023
The Dorset Recreation Centre rehabilitation project is moving forward, with a contract for the required work at the facility being finalized.
During a May 18 meeting, Travis Wilson of Engage Engineering Ltd., a firm retained by the Township to assist with the project, told members of Council a proposal from the Gonneau Group was very thorough, and that the company had completed similar projects in the area previously. Five companies pre-qualified to make bids on the job, with a single bid received by the Gonneau Group.
Wilson told Council that there would be discussions about timelines during the next couple of weeks, and that Council may hear details of a schedule at its next meeting.
During a December 8, 2022 meeting, Council chose a design-and-build model for the rehabilitation project at the rec centre. A report from that Council meeting can be found here. Discussion on the project has since been added as a standing item on the agendas for meetings of Algonquin Highlands Council.
We know the closure of the Dorset Recreation Centre has been frustrating and that the facility is a vital and well-loved asset. We all look forward to the work getting underway. Continue to watch this space for ongoing updates and timelines.
The Township of Algonquin Highlands has hired a project manager, 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 of issues at the DRC 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.
Once the contract for the project is awarded, a re-opening timeline can be determined.
There is still lots happening so please take a moment to review the Township’s online recreation activity. Recreation staff are available to assist.
You can find the Activities Calender here.
Contact Information
Dorset Recreation Centre
1051 Main Street, Box 99
Phone/Fax: 705-766-9968
recreation@algonquinhighlands.ca