General Updates and News

[Hali87]

We're getting what we paid for though. It's a great facility, well-used, has some non-lighthousey public art, and basically introduced the sport of long-track speed skating to the region as a viable option. I honestly don't remember what this part of the Commons was even used for before the Oval was built. Muggings?

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

There are lots of things we could and should so. This is not one of those things. For years people said that a public skating rink should be built somewhere, perhaps Grand Parade or elsewhere, like the rink at Rockefeller Center in NYC. No, said the authorities, we can't do that.

But the feds throw some tax money at us to build an otherwise useless speed skating oval for the Canada Games and we do it, cheaply because, after all, it is only temporary. But then Dawn Sloane throws a tantrum after it is over and we end up spending $15 MILLION to rebuild it and now another $10 MILLION for a chalet and garage. All we wanted was an outdoor skating rink, a couple of million tops. We could have built 20 of them all over HRM for what this thing cost. THAT is my issue.

it was 4.2 million to make it permanent, and the pavilion is 2.5 million. that's 18million less then you quoted. Its ok to say things are too expensive, but at least get your costs right.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

There are lots of things we could and should so. This is not one of those things. For years people said that a public skating rink should be built somewhere, perhaps Grand Parade or elsewhere, like the rink at Rockefeller Center in NYC. No, said the authorities, we can't do that.

But the feds throw some tax money at us to build an otherwise useless speed skating oval for the Canada Games and we do it, cheaply because, after all, it is only temporary. But then Dawn Sloane throws a tantrum after it is over and we end up spending $15 MILLION to rebuild it and now another $10 MILLION for a chalet and garage. All we wanted was an outdoor skating rink, a couple of million tops. We could have built 20 of them all over HRM for what this thing cost. THAT is my issue.

We can use 20/20 hindsight all we want, perhaps suggesting that it should have been planned as a permanent facility from the start. However, I'm not sure that the people of Halifax realized how popular this would be until it was in place, not to mention the benefits to the sport of speed skating (which a Grand Parade rink would not be able to facilitate). I'm thinking, actually, that the quick actions of council to keep this facility after the games were finished should be applauded rather than derided.

As mentioned by Ziobrop, it appears that the actual costs are far less than you are reporting, so I don't see any detriments at this point. Plus, doesn't corporate sponsorship take care of some of the operating costs for this facility?

Also, as mentioned by Hali87, this land wasn't being used beforehand, so what is the problem?

[curnhalio]

It was two ballfields before the Oval was built. One of which had an actual pitchers mound. So yeah, a pile of snow or a good place to get swarmed sounds about right. Now there are public eyes on this parcel of land where there previously were not.

[musicman]

[QUOTE=OldDartmouthMark;7141525] I'm thinking, actually, that the quick actions of council to keep this facility after the games were finished should be applauded rather than derided.

Considering urban chickens were high on the agenda around this time and oh yeah let's not forget the cat thing, I would have to agree with OldDartmouthMark on this one....

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Ziobrop

it was 4.2 million to make it permanent, and the pavilion is 2.5 million. that's 18million less then you quoted. Its ok to say things are too expensive, but at least get your costs right.

The original estimate to make it permanent was $5.7 million and it went up from there once plazas were constructed,, utilities and washrooms were brought in, etc. I stand by my figures. BTW everyone's favorite gadfly John Wesley Chisholm did some work that estimated costs for this thing at $15 per user based upon the numbers who actually show up on the handful of days that it is open and the annual operating costs which are substantial, not including the armies of HRM rec staff with custom logoed clothing supplied by you and me.

I seriously doubt the pavilion will come in at anything close to $2.5 million.

[curnhalio]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

The original estimate to make it permanent was $5.7 million and it went up from there once plazas were constructed,, utilities and washrooms were brought in, etc. I stand by my figures. BTW everyone's favorite gadfly John Wesley Chisholm did some work that estimated costs for this thing at $15 per user based upon the numbers who actually show up on the handful of days that it is open and the annual operating costs which are substantial, not including the armies of HRM rec staff with custom logoed clothing supplied by you and me.

I seriously doubt the pavilion will come in at anything close to $2.5 million.

So, are you suggesting that a $15 fee be charged to use the facility? If you think it's poorly attended now, wait until after people have to pay to get in.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by curnhalio

If you think it's poorly attended now, wait until after people have to pay to get in.

To be clear, "poorly" attended was 135,000 people last season.

[JET]

Originally Posted by beyeas

To be clear, "poorly" attended was 135,000 people last season.

and that's probably only during the ice skating season; there is apparently quite a bit of summer time use. https://www.halifax.ca/skatehrm/

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by JET

and that's probably only during the ice skating season; there is apparently quite a bit of summer time use. https://www.halifax.ca/skatehrm/

Yes, it's jammed.

https://www.halifax.ca/SkateHRM/webcamera/nojava.php

[JET]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Yes, it's jammed.

https://www.halifax.ca/SkateHRM/webcamera/nojava.php

Keith, you checked the cam when there was scheduled activities, right?

[curnhalio]

Originally Posted by beyeas

To be clear, "poorly" attended was 135,000 people last season.

Yeah, that makes sense. Every time I've gone past there, day or night in the winter the place is packed. I wonder if that's 135,000 different individuals, or if it's the same 10-12,000 repeat visitors. Do they track that?

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by curnhalio

Yeah, that makes sense. Every time I've gone past there, day or night in the winter the place is packed. I wonder if that's 135,000 different individuals, or if it's the same 10-12,000 repeat visitors. Do they track that?

I believe that that number is derived from total attendance, which would include people who used it more than once.

The school program is quite active as well, and they often have entire classes of kids go there as an outdoor activity.

[Keith P.]

Every time I go by there the place is deserted.

[JET]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Every time I go by there the place is deserted.

Public skates were scheduled (and seem to be daily) for 10:30 and 5:30 today and tomorrow, but this mornings was cancelled, no doubt due to the rain. They do provide roller skates. We'll have to keep checking the webcam for activity. Keith's no doubt checking regularly for verification.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by JET

We'll have to keep checking the webcam for activity. Keith's no doubt checking regularly for verification.

It is a fast and easy way to verify what I believe are vastly inflated claims. It was again deserted today.

[JET]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

It is a fast and easy way to verify what I believe are vastly inflated claims. It was again deserted today.

Given that there was only one scheduled activity today, and that it was cancelled because of the rain, it is quite probable that it was quite deserted.

[Dmajackson]

I would like to point out that even IF the Oval is not heavily used in the summer-time it provides a sense of balance to the Commons. Most of the area is barren through the winter but this one corner is consistently packed with people and activities. In the summer the ballfields and skate park are well-used making up for this quieter corner.

Saying the Oval is a waste of money because it is not busy a few months or the year is like saying the waterfront boardwalk should be removed because nobody uses it when it's -20C outside but they will strap on a pair of skates at the Oval!

[teddifax]

I wish we had a LIKE button!

[Ziobrop]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

Saying the Oval is a waste of money because it is not busy a few months or the year is like saying the waterfront boardwalk should be removed because nobody uses it when it's -20C outside but they will strap on a pair of skates at the Oval!

i use the boardwalk in -20.


I also froze my A$$ off waiting to get this shot from the MacDonald.