I first heard this nickname when I was campaigning in 2018. Some in the community claimed the building of the Grovedale was more mistake than anything else. People wanted to know how much the building actually cost and rumour was that it came in way over budget and that its design wasn’t going to be good for anything.
Despite the history, we have this facility available for community use. Recently the Town held a successful fundraiser dinner there as did the Kingsville Fire Department. I’d love to see a monthly fundraising activity with different community groups benefitting from the space. The Kingsville Music Society has held some fabulous concerts and the Arts Society has put the space to good use providing opportunity for local talent to be developed and showcased.
We also need more activities for our seniors and our youth – both groups that have had to endure lockdowns and isolation. The Grovedale is a beautiful space that can provide occasions to bring these groups back into the community and provide social programs for the benefit of their physical and mental health. I’ve also brought up the idea of holding our twice monthly council meetings in this space to provide greater public access and safe distancing for council members, administration and any attending public. Despite any mistakes that may or may not have been made, Kingsville has the Grovedale as part of our facility complement.
Are you supportive of using this space for community use?
What uses can you envision for the Grovedale?
Read on if you want to know the background of the decision making and the build.
At my first town budget session in 2019 I asked administration to provide an accounting of the building construction to answer the question and get into the public record a total of how much the Grovedale cost.
The original Kings Landing property was purchased in 2013 for $575,000 + $100,000 charitable receipt. Funds came from the sale of E.L.K. funds. The property value was determined by a third party appraiser. The seller would lease and operate the property for the next couple of years.
In November 2016 Council considered renovating Kings Landing versus a new construction and approved public consultation to determine the fate of the building and the scope and purpose of a renovated or rebuilt Kings Landing.
In May 2017 the outcome of the public survey was presented to council. 592 people participated to help develop the vision. Important features identified included ensuring view of the water, a natural amphitheater, bike and walking paths, clean beach, natural playground and historic features. 70% of the participants favoured a new building. The majority of respondents supported a facility for events similar to what had been hosted in the Lakeside Pavilion including concerts, arts & crafts, and workshops.
In June 2017, six bids came in for the project and Council approved the demolition and new construction of a facility to be managed by an architectural and engineering firm.
In September 2017 the tender for the demolition of Kings Landing and design work was approved by Council.
The public had been asked their preference in design:
1. Mettawas Hotel concept received 40 votes and
2. Grovedale House design received 72 votes.
The report included the estimates for costs ($1.8M vs. $2.2M) as well as the engineer firm’s opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of each design.
“Based on the budget calculations and the program requirements of the project set out by the Town of Kingsville and the public feedback received, that we recommend proceeding with the “Mettawas Hotel” Concept.” The Council of the day opted for the Grovedale House design despite the recommendation to proceed with the Mettawas Hotel. Was this a ‘mistake’?
| Mettawas Hotel Concept | Grovedale House Concept |
 Advantages:* Lower Initial construction cost. sloped roof (asphalt shingle) vs. flat roof membrane.lower cost for structure of single storey construction vs. two smaller total building area * Barrier-free accessible without the need for an elevator. * Single storey space is more conducive for assembly hall programming. * Linear design is more flexible space allowing for optional movable partition to divide the room into 2 rentable halls. * Speed of construction. * Smaller total building area * Lower long term maintenance cost. sloped roof vs. flat (replacement cost) primarily building stone masonry vs. composite siding Disadvantages: * Extra cost to build Grovedale House Homage Garden. |  Advantages:* Layout provides additional 2000sqft event space (2nd floor). * Replacement of original structure ideal from a heritage perspective. Disadvantages: * Additional initial construction cost. * Increased total building area beyond programmatic needs two storey structure flat roof (requires steel joist vs. wood truss). * Additional long term maintenance costs. flat roof (replacement cost increase) composite siding and Victorian details * 2nd storey porches (floor surface) * Elevator maintenance * Additional municipal liability. 2nd storey porches. |
On November 6, 2017 Council held a special meeting and considered 5 bids for a construction management company. Council proceeded and passed the following motion in a close 4 to 3 vote:
The total cost of the project including demolition, design, site survey etc. was estimated at $2.6M. The Town had a Federal Grant for $181,500 that could be applied to costs incurred prior to March 31, 2018 and so there was incentive to expedite construction. The remainder $2.4M was to come from the sale of E.L.K. funds. The actual costs, at this point, came in closer to $2.9M with $140,000 grant funds, $311,480 taxation and the remainder from the sale of E.L.K. funds.
By June 2018 it seems that bypassing the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy and award phases of construction without formal tendering was another possible ‘mistake’? “Actual costs as submitted by contractors through the various tendering phases have been higher than anticipated in some cases. These increases are the result of several factors. Examples include fluctuations in material costs, higher labor and wage rates, and current market conditions.”
Proceeding in this manner versus completing all architectural drawings and specs first allowed the project to begin quicker so that grant funds could be applied. In total, only $156,013 grant funds were applied to this project. With an updated project estimate , and the build well underway, Council voted to proceed.
Another $2.25M was allocated to the project in the 2019 budget to complete and furnish the Grovedale. The original $2.4M budget turned into a $4.9M project with $4.4M coming from the sale of E.L.K. funds, $156K from a Federal grant and $311K from taxation.
Kimberly DeYong 