COLUMBUS CENTRE/VILLA CHARITIES & DANTE ALIGHIERI ACADEMY REDEVELOPMENT An Intergenerational Community Hub Frequently Asked Questions November 2017

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1 COLUMBUS CENTRE/VILLA CHARITIES & DANTE ALIGHIERI ACADEMY REDEVELOPMENT An Intergeneratinal Cmmunity Hub Frequently Asked Questins Nvember 2017 Please nte that the infrmatin prvided belw is accurate as f the date nted. Details and timing are subject t change as the Redevelpment prject prgresses. A. NEW JOINT-USE FACILITY PROJECT STATUS, KEY FEATURES, FACTS AND RATIONALE 1. Q: What is the current status f the Redevelpment prject? A: We have been actively engaging with ur cmmunities n a number f frnts t gather input abut the prject, and have received valuable feedback. Yur cncerns and cmments are imprtant t us and will be addressed in the develpment f ur plans. As a result f these cnsultatins, Villa Charities and the Trnt Cathlic District Schl Bard will be re-examining the current prpsal t develp additinal ptins fr the jint-use facility. We will cntinue t share further updates as infrmatin becmes available and lk frward t an nging dialgue with ur cmmunities. Cmmunity Cnsultatins We are currently underway with ur cmmunity-wide cnsultatin prcess, jintly led by independent experts Maximum City and Dilln Cnsulting. Help us develp and deliver a new Clumbus Centre, which remains true t its traditins and is respnsive t future generatins. Share Yur Views We encurage everyne in the cmmunity t take part in the cmmunity cnsultatin prcess. Please visit the cmmunity cnsultatin prject website at fr infrmatin n hw yu can participate. 2. Q: What are the key features f the new Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment? A: The new intergeneratinal cmmunity hub will be a premier destinatin fr Italian-Canadians in the GTA and thers f all ages wishing t explre Italian culture. It will prvide fully mdernized and enhanced facilities, with an array f prgrams. This will be a reimagined space t better meet the needs and expectatins f future generatins and the cmmunity we serve. 1

2 Key features A new 435-seat perfrming arts theatre Urban park-like setting with 51 new trees Energy-efficient cmplex with green rf A fully accessible facility t meet the needs f peple f all abilities New cntrlled parking lts with sidewalks, landscaped bulevards and pedestrian cnnectins t the Dante Alighieri Academy playing field Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities: A 130 metre indr running/walking track & 480 metre utdr track A 17.5 metre indr swimming pl with resistance jets, available fr lap swimming, aquafitness, lessns and leisure activities State-f-the-art fitness studis and enhanced athletic facilities Exclusive Clumbus Centre-use change rm facilities with private shwers, sauna and whirlpl Cntemprary music, dance and art studis A high-tech culinary studi with digital learning technlgy, enabling live interactin with chef instructrs in Italy and all ver the wrld New event/banquet space A dramatic, three-stry glass façade alng Lawrence Avenue that will bring natural light int cultural classrms A street presence fr the restaurant and the art gallery, which will frnt nt Lawrence Avenue, with an utdr pati dining area Massage and therapy clinics, child-minding and ther prgrams Dante Alighieri Academy: Single, centralized lcatin fr 1,000-1,300 Dante Alighieri Academy students, in a 21 st century learning envirnment Dramatic tw-stry library/resurce centre Triple gym Cmmns/cafeteria that verlks the gymnasiums and urban frest Use f theatre, dance studi, fitness facility, music practice rms, culinary kitchen Break ut spaces t allw fr cllabratin amngst students Designated drp-ff and pick-up zne 3. Q: Why is Villa Charities redevelping the campus? A: Villa Charities is redevelping the Clumbus Centre t secure and enhance its place as a premier cultural and learning destinatin fr Italian-Canadians in the GTA and thers wishing t explre Italian heritage. The develpment f Villa Charities Lawrence-Dufferin campus stretches back almst 50 years. Times have changed, and we must adapt by prviding upgraded facilities and services t better meet the needs f the evlving cmmunity arund us. We are appraching this redevelpment as an pprtunity t reimagine every aspect f ur facility, prgrams and services, and t prvide mre access t the cmmunity, in cllabratin with ur prject partner, the TCDSB. This will be an intergeneratinal cmmunity hub. 2

3 4. Q: Hw will the new facility benefit the cmmunity? A: The new Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment will benefit the cmmunities we serve significantly and in many ways. At a very high level, we are creating a vibrant cmmunity hub fr Italian-Canadians and thers wishing t explre Italian culture. This is central t delivering n ur missin f keeping ur Italian heritage shining brightly in the GTA fr generatins t cme. The re-envisined cmplex als better serves the cmmunity by prviding expanded pprtunities fr the grwing demand in relatin t cultural, artistic, educatinal and recreatinal needs. Other benefits include: A premier cultural and learning destinatin with increased pprtunities fr all cnstituents Shared-use spaces e.g. cultural studis, fitness facilities, perfrming arts theatre Expanded ffering f cmplementary prgrams and services A single, centralized lcatin fr all Dante students in a 21 st century learning envirnment Creatin f new cultural prgramming Significantly reduced csts in planning, develpment and peratins State-f-the-art facilities with access t the latest technlgies Energy-efficient cmplex with urban green spaces fr utdr activities and a green rf A perfrming arts theatre, cmmunity rms An indr walking and running circuit thrugh shared service space within Dante Alighieri Academy Swimming pl with resistance jets, available fr lap swimming, aquafitness, lessns and leisure activities A pedestrian-friendly envirnment with cntrlled parking, landscaped bulevards and cnnectin t the Dante Alighieri playing field A fully accessible facility t meet the needs f peple f all abilities Cst-effective and mre efficient ways f delivering services t ur cmmunity 5. Q: Will the new Clumbus Centre supprt Italian heritage and culture? The new Clumbus Centre will supprt Villa Charities missin t celebrate and prmte Italian heritage, culture, language, arts, fd and family values. By advancing this missin, the new Clumbus Centre will be a premier destinatin fr Italian-Canadians acrss the GTA and fr everyne wishing t share in ur rich culture. Our abslute cmmitment t ur missin will be clearly reflected in ur future prgramming, which will be enhanced with a new 435-seat multi-purpse cmmunity theatre. 6. Q: Why are Villa Charities and the TCDSB partnering n this prject? A: Villa Charities partnership with the Trnt Cathlic District Schl Bard in the Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment will benefit bth rganizatins and the cmmunities we each serve. 3

4 The partnership makes it pssible t build enhanced, state-f-the art shared-use facilities that will significantly expand the ttal area available t bth rganizatins and prvide all users with a wider range f activities and prgramming. The shared facilities will include a new 435-seat multi-purpse cmmunity theatre, an indr running track, additinal dance and music studis, fitness facilities, a triple gymnasium, classrms and culinary kitchen. The shared-use spaces are supplementary t the larger exclusive-use spaces that will frm the cre facilities fr each rganizatin. The sharing f prgram spaces brings the ttal area available t bth users well ver their stand-alne building prgrams. Separate, exclusive-use space fr the Clumbus Centre includes imprved facilities fr Villa Charities art, dance, music and culinary prgrams, fitness, a restaurant and café, new event/banquet space, an art gallery and tenant space/administratin ffices. Lking ahead, partnering in a cmbined cmmunity centre and schl pens new pprtunities fr multigeneratinal usage and integratin, creating a legacy fr the future. 7. Q: Will Dante Alighieri Academy and the new Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities be lcated in separate buildings, r within ne building? A: The Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities and Dante Alighieri Academy will each have its wn entrance leading t its wn facilities, with secured drs preventing unauthrized access. The rganizatins will perate independently f ne anther. A separate, exclusive-use sectin fr the Clumbus Centre will huse imprved space fr Villa Charities art, dance, music and culinary prgrams, fitness facilities, a restaurant and café, new event/banquet space, an art gallery and tenant space/administratin ffices. Shared facilities will include additinal studis fr music, dance, culinary and art prgrams, fitness activities, and a new theatre fr cultural perfrmances, schl and cmmunity events. Each rganizatin will access the shared facilities separately, via its wn entrance, at different times f the day. While the partners will perate independently f ne anther, a jint-use sharing agreement will clearly define separate and cntrlled shared space use between Clumbus Centre and Dante including peratins, maintenance and security between prgram areas. Certain functins, such as lading and recycling, will be cmbined t deliver cst savings. Significant cst savings will als be achieved by cllabrating n the cnstructin f a single building, where we share planning, design, cnstructin, perating and ther csts. 8. Q: Understanding that Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities and Dante Alighieri Academy will have separate entrances, what security precautins will ensure peple using the Clumbus Centre dn t have access t the high schl? A: The building is designed t allw fr the sharing f prgrammatic spaces. The sharing f spaces will require the mvement f students int the Clumbus Centre spaces during schl hurs (the sharing f schl spaces by Clumbus Centre patrns will nly ccur during nn-schl hurs). The plans are being develped t cntrl access frm bth the Dante Alighieri Academy students int the Clumbus Centre area and frm the patrns f the Clumbus Centre int the Dante Alighieri Academy area. Strategically placed crss-crridr drs will be prvided. The drs will be alarmed and will be equipped with security access. The details f the security system are currently being 4

5 develped and bth parties are reviewing their security requirements. Plans currently anticipate alarmed drs and a CCTV system that will be centrally mnitred. B. OTHER PROGRAM AND FACILITY CHANGES 9. Q: Will child care cntinue t be prvided after prject cmpletin and during cnstructin? A: Yes. Child care services nw prvided in the Clumbus Centre will mve t fully refurbished space in Dante Alighieri Academy, lcated directly adjacent t Villa Clmb, at 60 Playfair Avenue (in 2018, date tbc). The Casa Del Ztt child care facility als will mve t the new lcatin at a later date. The TCDSB will mve elementary and middle schl students frm Regina Mundi Cathlic Schl int the renvated space within Dante Alighieri Academy, alngside the daycare, after Dante Alighieri students mve t the new jint-use facility. 10. Q: Will a running track be part f the new Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment? A: Yes. An indr running and walking track will be prvided. The track, at 130 metres, will be 25 metres lnger than the existing track, and is in additin t the half-kilmetre utdr pedestrian/running circuit. The indr track, made pssible thrugh the sharing f designated spaces with Dante Alighieri Academy, has been included in direct respnse t feedback frm the Villa Charities cmmunity. 11. Q: Will the Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities grunds include an utdr playing field fr sccer and ther sprts? A: The site has been recnfigured t create a pedestrian friendly envirnment with cntrlled parking, landscape bulevards and will allw fr a cnnectin t the playing field. A sccer pitch r ther playing field is nt part f the current site plan. Hwever, we may explre pprtunities in the future t share sme utdr spaces with the TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Academy n their existing Playfair Avenue grunds. The redevelpment includes a designated drp-ff area, exterir patis, suth-facing tiered patis with amphitheatres, a pedestrian circuit that is equipped with a parkurs, and an urban frest that buffers the exterir landscape areas frm the parking. 12. Q: Will a swimming pl be included in the new Clumbus Centre? A: Yes. A new indr pl that is virtually identical in size t the existing pl will be cnstructed. The pl has been included in direct respnse t feedback frm the Villa Charities cmmunity. In letters, calls and meetings, yu have cnfirmed the imprtant rle ur services, prgrams and facilities play in yur lives. The new pl will be available fr lap swimming, aquafitness, lessns and leisure activities, and will include resistance jets. There will als be exclusive Clumbus Centre-use changerm facilities with private shwers, sauna and whirlpl. 5

6 Existing pl size: Prpsed pl size: 8.5 m x 18.5 m 8.5 m x 17.5 m 13. Q: Will tennis/squash/racquetball curts be included in the new Clumbus Centre? A: During the planning prcess, we lked very clsely at all current Clumbus Centre facilities and prgrams, including the tennis, squash and racquetball curts. Sme adjustments t existing facilities and prgrams were required. There is currently lw utilizatin f these prgrams. It was nt pssible t accmmdate the tennis curts n the shared site and due t the recnfiguratin f adjining lanes and parking. In the meantime, the curts will remain in peratin until just befre demlitin and cnstructin begins in summer Q: Will the Redevelpment affect the availability f n-site parking? A: The parking area will be reduced by 54 spaces, frm 658 t 604. This will have n impact n the number f spaces available fr Villa Clmb, Cabt Terrace and Casa Del Ztt. 15. Q: Hw will the redevelped Clumbus Centre grunds be landscaped? A: The new Clumbus Centre will be set in urban park-like surrundings, with an increase f 51 trees. The landscaping plan includes the planting f 129 new large-caliper trees and the remval f 78 existing trees, mst f which are in fair t mderate cnditin based n the assessment f an independent arbrist. 16. Q: Will a cndminium building be part f the Clumbus Centre/Villa Charites & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment? A: There are currently n plans fr a cndminium develpment. C. PLANNING, APPROVALS AND CONSTRUCTION 17. Q: What is the timeline fr the new Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment? A: Our target dates fr the new jint-use facility are as fllws: The Clumbus Centre and all services will remain pen int the summer/fall f 2018 Once cnstructin starts it will take apprximately 2 years t cmplete The new facility is expected t pen in fall 2020 Regarding the status f ur apprvals: We have currently applied fr site plan apprval, a draft plan f subdivisin and rezning. A develpment f this scale must underg a thrugh apprval prcess at the City f Trnt. Tgether with the TCDSB, we are wrking with the City s Planning Divisin t btain the required apprvals as quickly as pssible. 18. Q: Wh will versee the prject? A: The Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment is verseen by a cmmittee cmprised f representatives frm the Trnt Cathlic District Schl Bard and Villa 6

7 Charities. The new building will be tendered t a list f qualified cntractrs, and an independent Prject Manager will als be hired. The redevelpment prject will cnfrm t the TCDSB tendering prcesses. 19. Q: Hw will Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities facilities and services be affected during the cnstructin prject? A: The Clumbus Centre will remain pen and fully peratinal int the summer/fall f All prgrams and services will cntinue t be lcated in ur current facility up t that time. Villa Charities is actively wrking t lcate sites in the lcal cmmunity fr ur cultural and athletic prgrams, ur existing tenants, ther services and administrative ffices, with the gal f maintaining service cntinuity. Details n the new lcatins will be prvided when they are cnfirmed. Daycare services nw prvided in the Clumbus Centre will mve int refurbished space in Dante Alighieri Academy, lcated directly adjacent t Villa Clmb, at 60 Playfair Avenue. A cnstructin implementatin plan is being prepared. The plan will identify cnstructin sequencing, laydwn areas, parking (fr bth the existing buildings n site and fr the cnstructin vehicles) and circulatin rutes fr cnstructin vehicles. The plans are created t mitigate the impact n the neighburs. 20. Q: What will happen t the current staff during the redevelpment? A: Cnsistent with ur intentin t prvide cntinuity f the services ffered at the Clumbus Centre, we will make every attempt t ensure cntinuity f emplyment fr the peple wh prvide thse services. In the event that there are temprary discntinuatins f sme services, we will develp individual plans fr any emplyees affected. 21. Q: What will happen t parking fr the senirs hme during cnstructin? A: We anticipate that there will be adequate parking bth during and after the cnstructin prject. A cnstructin implementatin plan is being prepared. The plan will identify cnstructin sequencing, laydwn areas, parking (fr bth the existing buildings n site and fr the cnstructin vehicles) and circulatin rutes fr cnstructin vehicles. The plans are created t mitigate the impact n the neighburs. 22. Q: Will any ther buildings/facilities n the campus be changed? A: There are n plans t change ther buildings n the campus at this time, including the independent senirs apartments and Villa Clmb. 23. Q: Will the cnstructin prject be disruptive t senirs living in the apartments and Villa Clmb? A: Residents in the independent senirs apartments and Villa Clmb will be minimally impacted. As with any develpment prject, there will be sme temprary nise and dust during cnstructin hurs and we will wrk with the cnstructin cmpany t cntrl and minimize the impact t the 7

8 best f ur ability and cntrl. Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities is actively searching fr alternative facilities t use while the prject is underway. A cnstructin implementatin plan is being prepared. The plan will identify cnstructin sequencing, laydwn areas, parking (fr bth the existing buildings n site and fr the cnstructin vehicles) and circulatin rutes fr cnstructin vehicles. The plans are created t mitigate the impact n the neighburs. Cnstructin hurs will be limited and will fully cnfrm t municipal bylaws, dust cntrl measures, and street cleaning will likely frm part f ur apprvals prcess. 24. Q: What will happen t the traffic n Lawrence Avenue during cnstructin? A: A cnstructin management plan will be develped as part f the apprvals prcess. The plans are prepared with the input f the cntractrs and in cnsultatin with the City. The prject will be phased t mitigate the impact n the neighburhd. We anticipate lane restrictins n Lawrence when the new street is cnnected t Lawrence Avenue and during the municipal cnnectins fr water, strm and sanitary sewers. 25. Q: Are utilities ging t be impacted (e.g. water pressure) during cnstructin? A: Part f the design and apprvals prcess is the study f the existing infrastructure and the required imprvements t the infrastructure that will be required because f the new jint-use facility. We d nt anticipate a negative impact n the existing services as a result f the develpment. There may be shrt-term, temprary interruptin f services when the new services are cnnected t the existing infrastructure. 26. Q: Hw lng will the cnstructin prject be? The cnstructin prcess will take apprximately tw t fur mnths fr the demlitin and site preparatin phase, and apprximately 24 t 30 mnths fr the cnstructin f the new facility. 27. Q: What are the energy-efficient and envirnmentally friendly features f the new building? The building will be designed t exceed the required energy efficiency standards prescribed in the Ontari building cde by 28%. An energy mdel f the building was created fr the building. The detailed design f the building envelpe and the mechanical and electrical systems are currently in prgress. Green rfs, increased insulatin values, premium glazing, LED lighting and energyefficient HVAC systems are being utilized. 28. Q: What will happen with St. Charles Brrme Church? A: As the Church is wned by the Rman Cathlic Archdicese f Trnt, and nt by the TCDSB r Villa Charities, any decisin abut its future is a matter fr the Archdicese and the Church alne. The Archdicese and Church cmmunity have recgnized f their wn accrd that while the current site wrked well in the past, it faces challenges tday because f limited parking, rising csts related t an ageing building and ther factrs. The Archdicese has indicated that it is pen t relcating the Church in the lcal cmmunity, including lking at pprtunities within Villa Charities Lawrence-Dufferin campus. If the Archdicese and Church wish t explre thse pprtunities, we have left that ptin pen in ur prject planning. Any decisin n whether t relcate will ultimately be theirs alne. 8

9 D. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 29. Q: Is there a way fr the cmmunity t learn mre abut the Clumbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelpment? A: Villa Charities will cntinue t keep cmmunity members infrmed abut the redevelpment prject thrugh ur website, newsletters, scial media, Open Huses, ther public meetings, media cverage and ther channels, including thse nted belw. Cmmunity Cnsultatins We are currently underway with ur cmmunity-wide cnsultatin prcess, jintly led by independent experts Maximum City and Dilln Cnsulting. Help us develp and deliver a new Clumbus Centre, which remains true t its traditins and is respnsive t future generatins. Share Yur Views We encurage everyne in the cmmunity t take part in the cmmunity cnsultatin prcess. Please visit the cmmunity cnsultatin prject website at fr infrmatin n hw yu can participate. Receive Updates T receive updates, g t and sign up fr the Villa Charities newsletters. Yu can als send questins t Redevelpment@villacharities.cm. Fr infrmatin n Dante Alighieri Academy and the TCDSB, please cntact: Jhn W. Yan Senir Crdinatr, Cmmunicatins Trnt Cathlic District Schl Bard jhn.yan@tcdsb.rg Tel.: ext Web: 9