Project Summary N-064: Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan
Development of a detailed master plan for the community park to evaluate strategic investment.
Project Summary: Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan
Priority: Optimal
Public Engagement: Consult
Financial Plan: 2026-2030
Project Code: 1-2-07220-580 CC722-03
Submitted by: Leanne Taylor, Director, Development Services
Executive Summary
Deferred to 2028 per Council resolution C160-25. Helmcken Centennial Park was identified as a Community Park in the Parks Master Plan. Like View Royal Park, it is home to a variety of uses and competing interests. To ensure that this valued park meets the needs of the community now and in the future, preparation of a detailed master plan is recommended. Accordingly, the Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan was included in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan as a potential project to be considered for the 2024 budget year after having been deferred in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. At this time, it is recommended that this project be deferred to 2025 once Coastal Adaptation Plan Phase 1 - Data Collection and Mapping are completed and Provincial housing initiatives under Bill 44-2023 and Bill 47-2023 are implemented, as these projects will help inform the Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan.
Business problem and opportunity
A park master plan allows Council and the community to evaluate strategic investment into park infrastructure and amenities and creates a long-term sustainable strategy for this recreational space. This project would provide engagement opportunities with the community to identify values and needs and allows for systematic and comprehensive decision making with respect to future investment in this park.
Proposed project objectives
- Community engagement and support for future investments.
- Identify a 15-year investment program including allocation of space for various uses.
- Identify resiliency measures for the Town to consider with respect to storm surge and sea level rise.
Business risks
Without a long-term strategy, investment may be ad hoc and may not consider long term impacts of climate change on public assets.
Proposed sources of funding
Casino revenue 70% 1-1-00557-866, LGCAP 30% 1-1-00500-185
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Operational | 0 | 0 | 55,000 | 0 | 0 | 55,000 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 55,000 | 0 | 0 | 55,000 |
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Tangible | Community support, consistent funding, logical order of investment to provide recreational amenities for a growing community |
| Intangible | Community reputation, feeling of belonging |
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include Helmcken Centennial Park Master Plan in 2028 to be funded by Casino revenue and LGCAP.