City of Dawson

The City of Dawson and Yukon Government are co-managing the planning for a new recreation centre in Dawson City at lot 1059 (Base of Dome Road, across from Crocus Bluff Ballfield & C4 Subdivision). Our current recreation facility, the Art and Margaret Fry Rec Centre, has severe structural issues, which are threatening its stability and long-term future. The goal is to build a multi-sport facility that has feature and appeal to all ages of our community.

Where We Are At:

September 22, 2024
The City of Dawson is pleased to announce that Council has approved the new Recreation Centre project for submission to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The new facility will be located at the intersection of Dome Road and the North Klondike Highway (Lot 1059, Quad 116 B/3), and is being managed in partnership with the Yukon Government, with the City of Dawson as the future end user.

Both the Yukon Government and the Government of Canada have committed a total of $65 million in capital funding for the design and construction of this facility. This funding will be provided through the ICIP program, and the City of Dawson has successfully submitted the conceptual design, ensuring the project remains on track.

The Concept Design Report (click here) includes a comprehensive site plan, floor plan, functional space program, and energy estimates for the facility. The design reflects the recommendations from the project management team and input from public engagement sessions, the Recreation Board, and operational considerations.

With the Council’s approval, the City is now committed to the facility’s footprint, amenities, and location. As the project moves into Phase 1B, which focuses on more detailed design work, further refinements will continue to take place to ensure the facility meets the needs of the community.

Below are the most current version of the floorplan, site plan and elevation. All of these are works in progress that will change as design gets more detailed.

August 15, 2024
An update on the new recreation centre was provided to Council on August 15, 2024 - The report, which includes pertinent information on the status and future of this project, can be found here. - New Recreation Centre Update 

July 22, 2024 - 

July 12, 2024 - 

April 25, 2024 -  Planning for the New Recreation Centre is proceeding for Dawson City. Currently, work is ongoing on the development of a $65 million facility on the South-East side of the Dome Road/Klondike Highway intersection.

Here’s some brief notes to update you on the project:

• A tender has been issued by Yukon Government utilizing a Progressive-Design-Build contract for the new facility, which will close in May. The contractor will be tasked with designing and building a new recreation facility for our community.

• Progressive Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: For this building, we will be implementing a progressive design-build, as opposed to a design-bid-build. A design-bid-build method separates contracts for the design and construction phases of the project. Increasingly, this method can result in the design of unaffordable buildings, based on the disconnect between the design of the building and what the market dictates it costs to initiate and finalize construction. A progressive-design-build is an alternative procurement method where one contract is issued for the design and construction of a project, with collaborative decision-making between the client, design team and construction company. This contract-enforced process results in a design that is reflective of what is possible and affordable during the construction phase. For this reason many municipalities are moving to utilize this method more and more. Advantages of this method are the transparency in costing, flexibility in construction process, collaborative process throughout the project, reduction in contingencies and certainty in maximum pricing. For these reasons, we are moving to a progressive-design-build.

• Funding for this facility is earmarked from the Yukon Government's portion of Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) from the federal government. To formalize the $65 million earmarked for the new recreation facility, a detailed plan must be submitted by September to the federal government. Should a plan not be satisfactorily presented by this time, this funding will be re-allocated to other community needs within the Territory.

• Advisory Group (City of Dawson Recreation Board): To assist in planning a facility that is reflective of the desires of the community, the City of Dawson has directed the Recreation Board to act as an advisory group during the development of the facility. This group comprises 8 regular members, including a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in-appointed member, and a number of advisors. At this time the group includes: Peter Menzies, Monna Sprokkreeff, Brent Mcdonald, Dawn Kisoun, Megan Macdougall, Ashley Doiron, Amélie Morin, Diana Andrews, Helen Dewell, Louise Blanchard. Regular meetings have begun for this group, and discussions have been initiated to help inform the contractor once they are hired.

• This project is being managed by the Yukon Government, in partnership with the City of Dawson, who is advised by the Recreation Board. Upon completion of construction, City of Dawson will be the owner and operator of the facility and will be responsible for the costs associated with operating this facility.

• Extensive work on this project has already occurred in previous iterations of this building. The work on design, site investigation, public consultation, and project development will be considered and utilized to assist in the upcoming decisions made on this project.

• The design for this project is envisioned to develop a year-round recreation centre that will replace and improve upon the amenities featured at the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre, which continues to face deficiencies as a result of melting permafrost under the building. The Art and Margaret Fry Rec Centre is monitored annually by engineering firms and work is planned to improve its stability to keep it safe for use during the ongoing planning and construction of a new recreation centre.

City of Dawson recognizes the urgency that adhering to a September deadline will require on our behalf and understands the importance this facility plays in the future of our community. As such, this project is being prioritized by staff, which may affect the delivery of other projects and services within our department.  

December 21, 2023 - Schematic Design, Class C Capital and Operational Estimates - Contractors provided City of Dawson and Yukon Government with new Schematic Design and Class C Capital and Operation Estimates, based on the direction received in April 2023, to include the following amenities: Recreation Office, Skating Rink, Curling Rink, Fitness Centre, Bouldering Wall, Sauna, Gymnasium, Walking Track, Indoor Playground, and concession area. The estimates came in higher than anticipated (approximately $95 million with a 25% +/-  differential). A presentation was made to Council on December 5, 2023 with the drawings and cost estimates, that presentation is below. 

• Council Presentation - Summary of Design and Class C Cost Estimates - December 2023

Following this presentation, mainly as a result of the cost estimates, Council passed a resolution at Meeting C23-19 Council Direct Administration to develop a work plan for a new recreation centre within the $65 million budget.  

Next Steps for this project:

• Project Management Team to meet, discuss options for next steps, and return to City of Dawson Council to discussion and approval. Expect to present at January 16 Council Meeting.
  
  

City of Dawson received new schematic drawings, to explore the 

• Council Presentation - Summary of Design and Class D Cost Estimates - Options A & B (April 5, 2023)

April 5, 2023 - Schematic Design and Class D Capital and Operational Estimates have been provided to the City of Dawson for review and direction from council. A summary and presentation were prepared which can be viewed below. The two design options were reflective of the amenities drafted by council and administration at a working group meeting. What has been provided remains conceptual. Once direction is received, consultants will refine and finalize the schematic drawings, after which detailed design would occur, followed by tendering for construction.

• Council Presentation - Summary of Design and Class D Cost Estimates - Options A & B (April 5, 2023)
• Schematic Drawings - Options A & B
• Class D Estimates - Capital, Operational - Options A & B

In winter 2020-21, a Feasibility Study was undertaken to determine the scale, scope and location of a new recreation centre; estimate the capital costs for different versions of this building, as well as the operational and maintenance costs which may be incurred. These options were shared with the public, and reviewed by administration and council.

It was ultimately decided that Lot 1059 (Base of Dome Road) was the preferred location to build. It was also decided that Option 1 should be pursued at the preferred scale and scope for this building. The plan for Option 1 included a skating rink, two curling sheets, a gymnasium, indoor play space, canteen and office space.

Dawson City Recreation Centre Feasibility Study

The plan for Option 1 can be seen below

 * NOTE: This gives an overview of the major components that are envisioned to be included. The Schematic Design (May-September 2022) will be the initial design, which will refine the size and features included in these spaces, based on a similar scope and scale of the plan provided in the Feasibility Study

Next Steps / Potential Timeline
*Note: This is a best outlook schedule. Delays due to review and approval timelines, funding or environmental approvals, may occur.

• SCHEMATIC DESIGN (May 2022-May 2023)
  • Refine design of facility components and programming
  • Complete additional data gathering: survey, Geotech, etc.
  • Review existing background data (including previously completed: geotech, ESAs, HRIA, etc.)
  • Complete Preliminary Design Drawings and reporting
  • Class C cost estimate (including capital and O&M, completed by quantity surveyor)
  • Targeted Community engagement
  • Include review of rec facilities that are working well in the North
  • Include consideration for pre-eng components and engage pre-eng. specialist.
  • Detailed review of servicing requirements.
  • Energy modelling.
    
    
• ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS (Ongoing)
  • YESAB may be required. Engage consultant at the beginning of schematic design phase. Application to be submitted at the end of Schematic Design
  • Review if Fisheries or Water Board approvals required.
    
    
• FUNDING APPLICATION & APPROVAL (October 2022-May 2023)
  • Federal and YG funding approvals required
  • Development of Service Agreement between CoD and YG.
    
    
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT FOR DETAILED DESIGN (June 2023-August 2023)
  • RFP to hire detailed design consultant, construction admin and site inspection.
    
    
• DETAILED DESIGN (August 2023-December 2023)
  
  
• CONSTRUCTION TENDER & AWARD (January 2024-April 2024)
  
• CONSTRUCTION START (Spring 2025)
  

Background Information/Documents

2000-2017- Construction of the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre and years of challenges
 Since its construction in 2000, the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre has been an unfinished building. This was mainly due to mismanagement of funds, and improper construction. It was designed to be a multi-sport facility, built in phases to address the needs of the community, however this vision never came to fruition. Since 2000, it has operated, mainly as a hockey and curling facility, with unfinished components left unusable by the public. It also became apparent following the opening of the building that there were concerns with its structural integrity of the building as a result of improper construction and melting permafrost. As a result of these concerns, the building has been scrutinized by the community, as well as City of Dawson administration and Council. The building underwent numerous engineering assessments, potential re-design consultations, and innumerable infrastructure upgrades have been implemented to shore up the building. This scrutiny also fuelled the discussion on whether a new recreation centre should be built, or if the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre could be rehabilitated to become the multi-sport facility it was envisioned to be. In October 2017, Council directed administration to hire a consultant to determine the best course of action to reach the goal of a proper multi-sport facility.

2017- AMFRC Future Direction: Rehabilitation vs. New Facility (C17-29)
 Document prepared by City of Dawson Project Manager to determine whether the City should invest in the existing facility, if so how much and over what timeframe, or does the City invest in a new facility and how much. 

• Outcome 
  1. Document: AMFRC – Rehabilitation vs. New Construction (November 27, 2017)
     • New facility chosen as best option moving forward
  2. (Resolutions C17-29-12 & C17-29-13): Council indicates their preference for the design and construction of a new recreation centre of a scope, location and size to be determined.
     
      

2018 – (Meetings CW18-22, CW18-22):
Council and Administration determined the Scope for Terms of Reference relative to a Facility Pre-Planning Contract

• Outcome: 
  1. Administration tasked to find consultant to create Pre-Planning Document

2018-2019- Pre-Planning Consultation
(Meetings/Resolutions: CW18-22, CW18-26, C19-03. C19-05-10, June 12 Workshop, C19-23-15)
 In 2018, Council and Administration determined the Scope for Terms of Reference for a Facility Pre-Planning Tender and Contract. Stantec Architects were then hired by the City of Dawson to determine the vision for a new recreation facility and look at five potential building sites. Based on this work, the document recommended that the Dome Road and The Gold Rush Campground be further investigated for further study and gave guiding principles to be used by future consultants based on a council workshop on June 12, 2019.

• Outcomes: 
  1. Document: Dawson City Recreation Facility – Pre-Planning Report (November 13, 2019)
     • Sites narrowed from five potential sites to two.
     • Scope of building narrowed
  2. (Resolution C19-23-15): Council accept the Dawson City Recreation Facility Pre-Planning Report and direct administration to proceed with the next phase of planning a new recreation facility in Dawson.

2019-2020- Project Management Team Created
Relative Meetings/Resolutions: C20-02-29
A project management team was created to manage the planning and implementation of this project. The team comprised of City of Dawson Administration (CAO, Parks and Recreation Manager) and Yukon Government Infrastructure Branch Representatives. Based on the scale and work involved in the building of a new recreation facility, the City of Dawson Administration recommended that a third-party project manager be hired Colliers Project Leaders to ensure project stayed on proper timelines and adhered to standard infrastructure development practices.

2020 – Project & Communication Plan Created
(Meetings/Resolutions: C20-05-08, C20-15-10, C20-17-04)
The Project Management Team created two documents (The Project Plan & Communication Plan) to assist in the management of this project and assist consultants in the decision and communication process desired by the City of Dawson on this project.

Outcomes: 

1. Document: Project Plan (April 9, 2020)
   • Describes the objectives and the process by which the project will be managed.
   • (Resolution C20-05-08): Council discussed, approved and extended contract with Colliers Project Leaders
2. Document: DCRC Communication Plan (September 22, 2020)
   • Outlines the necessary communications to achieve understanding and engagement of all stakeholders throughout the Project lifecycle

2020- Republic Architecture Hired
(Meetings/Resolutions: C20-06)
The scope for a tender was discussed, tendered and awarded to Republic Architecture to oversee the next steps in the project relative to engaging and consulting with Administration, Council and the Community to create a Functional Space Program and Feasibility Study.

2020-2021: Functional Space Program
(Meetings: Council Workshop – August 20, 2020)
Document created to summarize the wants and needs for a new recreation centre. Republic Architecture met with City of Dawson Administration, Council, Yukon Government and Colliers Project Leaders on August 20, 2020 to identify functional needs for the space, described how they envisioned the building to function for our community. 

• Outcomes: 
  1. Document: Functional Space Program (August 31, 2020)
     • Act as a living document that would give direction in the development of three schematic options for two sites (Dome Road & Gold Rush Campground) as part of the Feasibility Study and Community Engagement portion of this project.

2020-2021 Recreation Centre Engagement Plan & Delivery
 (Meetings/Resolutions: CW20-18)
Community Engagement was undertaken based on the Community Engagement Plan. Surveys and feedback were collected utilizing in-person engagement sessions, web and mail surveys, and user-group meetings. Participants were asked to assist in prioritizing spaces to include in rec centre, choose a preferred location and general design (Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3)

• Outcomes: 
  1. Feedback compiled to inform and develop Functional Space Program and Feasibility Study. Results for engagement can be found in Feasibility Study Appendix I.
  2. Document: Community Engagement Plan (October 8, 2020)
     
      

2020-2021: Site Evaluations – Geo-Technical Reviews, Phase I & II Environmental Assessments at Gold Rush Campground and Dome Road
Throughout this time, multiple Geo-Technical Reviews, and Environmental Assessments were undertaken by Engineering Firms to ensure proper information was gathered on the ground stability, mineral content, and proposed foundation development of both potential sites (Gold Rush & Dome Road). This information was shared with Project Management Team, Council and Republic Architecture to assist in the planning and decision making on this project.

• Outcomes: 
  1. Documents: 
     • Phase II Environmental Site Assessment 1207 Fifth Avenue
     • Phase II Environmental Site Assessment at Lot 1059
     • Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation – Technical Summary Proposed Recreation Center Sites – Dawson City, Yukon
     • Determination of Local Background Metal Concentrations in Soil, Dome Road/Slinky Mine Area, Dawson City, Yukon
     • Detailed Geotechnical Evaluation Proposed Recreation Centre Site near Bottom of Dome Road Dawson City, Yukon
  2. Work completed determined that construction was possible at both locations and suggested a variety of methods to build foundations at both locations. Certain constraints and risks were associated with both locations. 

2020-2021: Feasibility Study
(Meetings/Resolutions: C21-13-18)

The most comprehensive document to date, aimed to: Present regulations that may affect the design; Study the physical and cultural context of the building; Explore the two sites: Dome Road and Gold Rush Campground; Provide three functional programs of varying scales for each potential site; Test fit the three functional programs on each site, for a total of six design options; Recommend appropriate structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, and communications designs; Perform energy analysis on the six base options, and two other energy targets for each option for a total of eighteen energy models; Present the feasibility of the six proposed options; Present the report to the community and council to obtain feedback; Provide a recommendation of which option presents best value.
 

• Outcomes:
  1. Document: Feasibility Study (May 7, 2021)
  2. Site selected and administration directed to continue to next steps in planning of centre
     • (Resolution C19-23-15): Council direct administration to determine the next steps in pursuing the design, funding and development of a new recreation centre, to be located at Dome Road (Lot 1059 QUAD 116 B/3) and provide recommended plan of action to Council.

2021: Joint TH/CoD Letter to Yukon Government
 In March 2021,  Tr'ondëk Hwëchin and City of Dawson Councils sent a joint letter to the Minister of Community Services requesting a clarification on funding commitment from Yukon Government towards this project.

2021: Rec Centre Project Advancement 
 (Meetings/Resolutions: C21-13-08, CW21-19-09)
Firm direction was still required to proceed with planning on this project. The Project Management Team tasked Colliers Project Leaders to create Rec Centre Project Advancement Memo, to highlight the proposed next steps for the New Recreation Centre in Dawson City. This document was discussed at Council and the resolution below was created.
 

• Outcomes: 
  1. Document: Rec Centre Project Advancement Memo (July 23, 2021)
  2. Dome Road Site Chosen and Option 1 identified as preferred option to pursue.
     • (Resolution C21-13-08): Council direct administration to determine the next steps in pursuing the design, funding and development of a new recreation centre, to be located at Dome Road (Lot 1059 QUAD 116 B/3) and provide recommended plan of action to Council. 
     • (Resolution CW21-19-09): Forward to Council: 
       • 1) Selection of amenities identified in Option 1 Dome Road Site from the Republic Architecture Final Feasibility Study Report 
       • 2) Direct administration to finalize reserve funds available for this project for internal contribution, and 
       • 3) Direct administration to set a meeting with Council and Yukon Government Minister of Community Services.