President's Comments, October 2010

Expansion Project:

 

On close of tenders on September 16, 2010, only one proposal was received. The Proposal received contained some modifications necessary to meet the budgetary constraints, to the original design and scope of the project. Through follow up discussions these differences were reconciled to maintain the integrity of the project as presented to the public during the open house. Subject to the final review and approval for regulatory compliance by the city officials the contract will be drawn and the work on the project will begin in earnest during the first week in October. Approximately six weeks will be needed to obtain the Foundation Permit and to complete the Design and Working Drawings. Actual construction is expected to start by mid November. The project has a construction budget of $2.5M and must be substantially completed by March

31, 2011, so it will be a race against time.

  

Maintenance and Upkeep of outdoor facilities:

 

Despite the busy summer at the Linden Woods Community Centre, the facilities were maintained and kept clean and most of the summer was complaint free. Regardless how pleasing and satisfying it may appear, it is virtually impossible to run a facility like the community centre that will please every body all the time.

 

Delay in cutting the grass due to abnormal weather combined with equipment breakdown irked some residents and soccer coaches while the wide gaps due to the removal of damaged rink boards which went without repairs all summer was the source of annoyance for others. While these concerns are justifiable, it should be noted that the community centre is being managed and operated by a volunteer board of directors without the benefit of permanent employees. Despite the hard work and the good intentions of the Board members some times the things fall behind due to circumstances beyond their control. Never the less the Board takes its responsibility very seriously to ensure that the facilities are safe and are in proper order at all the times.

 

At this time all the outdoor facilities appear to be in a good condition that is compatible with the season. The grass is cut, weeds are removed and the rink boards have been replaced and painted. Overall painting of the rink boards will be postponed to spring when the weather conditions are conducive for this work. Sincere thank you to George Froese who volunteered to cut the grass after the summer students had gone back to school and Tim Green for taking over the responsibility for House and Grounds and repairing the rink boards.

 

Changes at the Board:

 

The Board of Directors thanks the two long time volunteers at the Linden Woods Community Centre who have resigned due to personal reasons. Julie Bubnick has served on the board for 13 years 8 of which were as treasurer. Christina Li has taken over the position of the Treasurer. Gerry Charriere has resigned from his position as the director of House and Grounds. He is also a long time member of the board. Gerry’s position will be taken over by Tim Green.

 

Registration Fees and Tax Credit Receipts:

 

Registration fees for youth and children qualify for tax credits that parents can claim. The requisite receipts are issued at the time of registration. If due to some reason any body didn’t get a receipt, please contact the convener of the respective sport listed else where in this news letter to get the receipt.

 

As always if you would like to volunteer or have any comments or suggestions about these or any other matter related to the community centre, please contact me at 489–1780

 

Nazir Ahmad

LWCC President