snowman5 said "The fact is we live in different times and have new requirements that need to be addressed. This isn't an overnight change to these community centers. This was a process in the making for fifty years. Ever noticed that almost all of the established centers predates 1970? Now what happened in the very early 1970's that pretty much put an end in building these community clubs? ...Was it the construction of the Keystone Center, (70) the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (69) and the current City Hall (71), perhaps? The Keystone and the Auditorium was a game changer in how Brandon got together for social/community activities and with the open space with City Hall, everything in the matter of civic matters open to the public was now done there instead of meeting at the local neighbourhood halls. The construction boom in late 60's to the mid 70's had huge effects on how Brandon would operate public functions. More large centers build to accommodate larger groups and venues to serve an entire city rather than just a couple dozen city blocks. The same thing happened to community pools & splash parks came to an end when the YMCA (66) and the Sportsplex (75) came in and took over as well. Nothing more was going to be built within each neighbourhood (new or old) with regards to public spaces, except green spaces & playgrounds. Large scale structures were destine to accommodate the entire city, rather than smaller buildings scattered throughout the communities. In the long run, this concept works better and cheaper for the city. That became the "new normal" for Brandon for the next fifty years. However, age and building codes are now pressing against the existing community centers. They're all approaching a predicament of their future and even their very existence. It's a difficult situation... Repair, replace or get rid all together. Money and practicality seems to be the key issues with all of them? Park Community Center is the worst problematic one standing right now. From what I read, the structure is pretty much done. It wasn't much to begin with. A hodgepodge of separate structures put together on a small lot with many building codes exempted or grandfathered in because of the age. Getting it up to code would be next to impossible as it stands without nearly taking all apart. By that account, replacing would be a logical choice. But if we can't afford to restructure the floor, what chances can we have to budget a whole new building? And again, building codes will still haunt such a project. Parking, accessibility, occupancy restrictions and space will produce challenges in making it worth a viable endeavor for the city to invest back into a single community. ...And do we do this every time with other neighbourhood centers?
Personally, I feel that these charming older neighbourhoods were lucky to have them as long as they did. A huge part were the selfless volunteers who kept them going for generations. I "tip my hat" to them with admiration and respect to those past and presently giving themselves to a worthy cause. I am envious that we don't have a center and such devoted folks within walking distance of our home. Granted, we've got a lot more in our area than the new neighbourhoods (wide curbed streets with full sidewalks, mail service, city bus routes, real parks/playgrounds, schools, stores, ect...). But, I still wish we had a rink and a hall. However, I know that costs and manpower are always going to be the final deciding factor. That's it in a nutshell... The city can't afford fixing or updating it anymore. Let alone, replace them.
So what now? If the public sector for support/funds has dried up... The only choice is private. It's done often in the US. Time to approach individuals, local business and corporate community support for donations. It'll be tough and long dragged out, but there's no alternative. I would suggest to keep the committee together, but allow the city to pull down and clear the site. While that happens, the group will need to focus on vacant storefront spaces downtown to lease. There's so much opportunity to snag a deal there. Just as much floor space or more than of what they have now. A few tweaks by either landlord or volunteers, some materials donated and poof... a community hall is created. The city could cover the utilities and some of the moving and start up costs like public restrooms upgrades. I see this as a win, win for everyone. Landlord gets a tenant and has someone heating the place. The city gets the downtown a little life in it again. And folks can utilize the same thing that would have been available at the old location (maybe even enjoy it more). Won't be permanent and may be outside of the immediate area, but it would work.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong. "
Sorry to be blunt, but I think you're wrong on many level.s
What happened in that era was sprawl. Which is not something we think of in Brandon, but bear with me.
If you look at the neighbourhoods where these were built, they were more self-contained, walkable neighbourhoods. That was how things were built. Cars were not super common until the post-war period starting in the 1950's, and many people relied on their feet. There would have been lots of small stores/markets, rec facilities, schools etc all within a few blocks.
But starting in the 1950's. sprawl started taking over with the growth of car culture. As Brandon expanded outward, people were more apt to drive to their destinations. So as we progressed through the 1960's and 1970's, there was a decline in having self-contained neighbourhoods and we start getting into a suburb kind of situation where we are now. That made it more of a priority to develop draws that people could drive to (Keystone, WMCA, etc) instead of things within their community.
But we're coming full circle. We're once again talking about walkability, liveability, and having self-contained communities for environmental reasons. For that reason, I think it's important to preserve what we have. Brandon is a wonderful place on so many levels, and I do also wish we had a local club and rink etc. But I also know that from working with groups in the city that are looking for rental spaces etc, the community clubs are vital, affordable and need preservation. We used South End tons. We used Park tons. We used East End & Central as well. They are valuable assets.