Town of Pelham Retains Fundraising Consultant – Interkom
Niagara This Week – Welland, Ontario
By: Scott Rosts
September 2015
PELHAM — There’s still a lot of work ahead to confirm the design, but the Town of Pelham has retained the services of a fundraising consultant for its community centre project.
During a Sept. 8 meeting, CAO Darren Ottaway told Council members the town has retained the services of Interkom Smart Marketing to conduct a fundraising feasibility study, and if warranted, continue with the development and execution of a fundraising campaign.
Mayor Dave Augustyn says while there is still much work to be done to finalize a design, Interkom will start preliminary work on the project’s fundraising potential.
“It will allow us to establish a fundraising feasibility and start to look at the case for support in the community and the fundraising potential when it comes to lead gifts,” said Augustyn. “It really is the early stages, and we have a lot of work to do, but this will allow us to see where we stand the case for support.”
Just how much the project will cost, however, is still unknown. After an estimate earlier this summer came in at as much as $54 million for the multi-faceted community centre project, the town has slowed the process to review costs, potential savings and any other efficiencies, said Augustyn. Currently the project design includes the potential for a twin-pad arena, fitness centre, indoor track, multi-purpose space, performing arts space and a gymnasium, in the area of the East Fonthill Development lands.
A posting for a construction manager for the project closed Sept. 14, and council will look to fill that position in the coming weeks to allow design work to move forward.
“It’s still not finalized,” said Augustyn of the design, noting they have to be realistic about the financial burden. He added they are also looking at operational opportunities, such as whether the town would operate the fitness area, or whether an outside partner such as the YMCA would.
“It’s a multi-faceted community centre, and it’s a great concept,” he added. “We just need to take our time to review any efficiencies and savings.”
Augustyn said Interkom’s efforts in the background will be important as they move forward. He said identifying fundraising targets will assist them with determining the scope and size of the project. Recently Interkom led the fundraising campaign for the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines — which successfully exceeded its $5-million goal, and also worked with Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
“They’ve done great work in St. Catharines and other areas,” Augustyn said of Interkom. “The work they do will be important as we look to get a feeling of the final project and the funds we need to complete it.”
More Interkom in the Media:
Pelham Retains Fundraising Consultant – September 2015
Arts centre funding campaign moves to phase two – July 2015
St. Catharines Year in Review – Part II – January 2012
Arts Centre Fundraiser Hired: Interkom – December 2011