A proposal by the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) that could potentially raise an estimated $300,000 toward a multi-purpose recreation facility in the community is now in the hands of Martensville City Council.
The MCRP is looking to build a new 1,745 square-foot single-family home on a corner lot at the intersection of 4th Street South and MacCormack Road. The vacant lot is owned by the city.
The MCRP estimates the value of the lot at $150,000. The MCRP wants to build a new home, sell it on the market, and direct the profits from the sale toward the new recreational facility.
In a presentation to the Martensville City Council video-conference meeting on Tuesday, May 5, MCRP representatives Jesse Reis, Joe Garchinski and Blaine Wotherspoon outlined the proposal.
“In an ongoing effort to raise funds for the new recreation facility, the MCRP has identified an opportunity to build and sell a unique house in Martensville,” said Reis. “This project will involve many local trades donating their services in-kind, deepening our current relationships with these businesses and engaging them in a community build to realize the new recreation facility dream together.
“All proceeds from the sale of the house will go towards the new recreation facility.”
Wotherspoon said the first critical step in the project is securing the property.
“The lot is unique in Martensville,” said Wotherspoon. “Its frontage is 25 feet more than the average 50 foot lot. It can accommodate a high-end home that will still fit in well with the rest of the nieghbourhood.”
Wotherspoon said if the city provides the property for the project, it is a very low-risk endeavour. Without the lot donation, however, it can’t go ahead.
“We have already begun conversations with many local trades and there is considerable support for this community build,” said Wotherspoon, adding that 75% of the labour and materials will be gifted in kind by local companies.
“Our hope is to get the project started in August, and have the house ready to go on the market by May, 2021,” he said.
Garchinski said the MCRP is a volunteer organization which has raised about $300,000 over the past five years through a variety of fundraising events.
Garchinski said the city has been a strong partner in the grassroots-based push to build a second indoor ice surface in the community. The city has already earmarked funds and prepared conceptual plans for the future facility.
“The community needs this,” said Garchinski. “We’re excited about this project and we need the city to help make this happen.”
A similar project was undertaken recently in Rosthern to raise money for a new hospital in that community. Garchinski said the MCRP has learned a lot from the Rosthern group’s experience.
The MCRP proposal will be on the agenda for Martensville City Council at its next committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday, May 12. The earliest council would be able to make a decision on the proposal is at its next regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 19.