It's now a lot clearer how the Alfred Jenkins Field House will run, though some councillors fear its emergence will hurt the Margo Fournier Centre.
Director of community services Greg Zeeben authored the field house's first operating budget and it was up for debate at Monday's executive committee meeting.
Operating the facility was expected to cost about $1,031,000 to run each year, but generate an estimated $610,000-$790,000 of revenue.
However, the city said it could staff the field house with existing employees, thus reducing planned expenses by almost $300,000, bringing the yearly operating budget to about $735,000.
In other words, if the facility makes the highest amount of money Zeeben's report projects, the city could actually make a profit on the field house.
The proposed operating model would keep the facility open every day of the year, except statutory holidays.
The facility is only open to soccer currently, with a full opening expected in the spring once construction is completed.
When that happens, the facility's concession will offer a healthy menu and would be expected to earn about $33,000.
The Margo Fournier Centre will lose 20 of its 28 programs to the field house, however, and that issue riled two councillors Monday.
Coun. Jayne Remenda said she understood there was no going back now that the field house was built, but she said she was frustrated by the city "abandoning" the Margo Fournier Centre.
"I just want to reiterate we still need to invest in our core neighbourhoods and our core facilities," said Remenda.
Coun. Lee Atkinson agreed, saying the Margo Fournier Centre was well supported by those who work downtown and the centre needed support.
"I am afraid over time the lack of our involvement in that facility will be detrimental," he said.
As promised, the field house will have free parking.
A complete list of proposed user fees is available on Monday's executive committee agenda at www.citypa.ca.
City council won't have its final say on the budget until the Feb. 22 council meeting.
