THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE

The Board has established a dedicated Base Lodge Expansion (BLE) construction team which will provide monthly reports to the Board of Directors. The General Manager is taking on the overall responsibility for this build and will be in contact communication with the building committee of the Board. to ensure the project adheres to its goals and timeline. The Club is committed to maintaining excellent communication with members by providing regular updates, sharing detailed financial information, and hosting Q&A sessions.

Contractors were selected based on their experience, reliability, and competitive pricing. Over 75% of hard costs have already been quoted.

The timeline includes clear milestones, and the 10% contingency ensures financial flexibility. The Board’s oversight will maintain adherence to the schedule and budget.

The 50-year capital plan ensures the BLE fits into the broader strategy, balancing current improvements with long-term sustainability.

When the original Base Lodge was built in 2004, the club incurred $2.5 million in debt to complete the project. This was a significant investment at the time, reflecting the club’s commitment to providing a high-quality facility for its members. The Debt that the proposed BLE would encounter is $2-4M, a modest sum on a relative basis. 

Maintaining the Old South Lodge in a functional state over the next 15 years is estimated to cost approximately $5 million. This estimate is based on wear, damage, and conditions that WSP Canada Inc. was able to see and inspect during their assessment. These costs would include necessary upgrades, repairs, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the facility remains operational in it’s current configuration. There would be an additional cost of approximately $1 million to repurpose and renovate existing spaces as well as $2 million to renovate and expand the Base Lodge Kitchen. However, this significant financial commitment underscores the importance of considering the Base Lodge Expansion, which would not only eliminate the need for continued investments in the aging South Lodge but also provide modernized and consolidated facilities to better meet the needs of the Craigleith community.

As part of Project Generations, $4.5 million was collected through an assessment, and these funds were fully used in the construction of the Depot. While the original Project Generations plan included a borrowing of $8 million, this borrowing was not utilized for the Depot. The Depot’s total cost of $10 million was covered using the collected assessment funds, Capital Levy, and new member initiation fees. For the upcoming Base Lodge Expansion (BLE) project, the anticipated debt is projected to range between $2 million and $4 million, depending on when the Little John chairlift is replaced.

If the membership declines the Board’s proposal, the South Lodge will still be removed, leaving the club to operate within the existing spaces without any of the planned enhancements. This would mean no additional seating to offset the loss of the South Lodge, no adult lounge, and no expanded kitchen space to improve food services. Furthermore, there would be no increase in the number of lockers, which are needed to address current and future member requirements. Squire Johns would also have to be moved outdoors again, as there would be no provision for an indoor space during or after the transition. The lack of these upgrades would strain the existing facilities, reduce convenience for members, and limit the club’s ability to adapt to growing needs. Moreover, it could impact the club’s ability to attract new members, as the facilities may no longer align with the expectations of prospective families or individuals seeking a modern and accommodating club environment.