A dispute has broken out in Dowling, where two groups are battling over the future of the Dowling Leisure Centre.
At issue is an application by the Extreme North Gymnastics Club to expand its use of the centre, taking over two-thirds of the centre's gymnasium for its programs. The club says it has needed more space for a decade, and will have to leave Dowling if their request is refused. But the organizers of the Cavalcade of Colours, which uses the large space for its annual fall event, says if Extreme's request is granted, it will spell the end of the popular event after 32 years.
Carmen Portelance, chair of the festival, says in addition to her group, several other community events that require the big hall would be affected.
“They want to switch from the little hall they have right now and take over the big hall,” Portelance said Friday.
That would mean the festival would have to move into the little hall, she said, that is far too small for their needs. Christmas teas and parties, pickle ball and other events would be left without a space, she said.
“It would affect the whole community for the whole year, but Cavalcade would be the most affected because there's no way that we can have it (in the small hall),” Portelance said. “After 32 years, it would be gone. The other hall is just too small. I have 60 vendors that come in -- I would maybe have, in that Hall, room for five.”
The festival couldn't move, she said, because the community hall is free for their use, and they don't have to worry about insurance and other costs that would make Cavalcade unfeasible
When asked whether Cavalcade has tried to work with Extreme to find a solution, Portelance said they support the club, but they haven't tried negotiating a solution.
“No, because we leave that to the city -- the city has received a legitimate request,” she said. “So we have to respect that and the city has to respect that. They have to follow through.
“We love what extreme North does in our community -- we just love it. We don't want them to go away. But at the same time, they are a company and we are a community, and the hall is for the community.”
To gauge how people of Dowling feel about the issue, a brochure was distributed seeking feedback, and an online survey was conducted to allow residents to weigh in.
Portelance says while placing tents outside to accommodate vendors has been suggested, that doesn't work for a fall festival where weather could be a major problem.
Portelance said she's confident the community will support turning down Extreme's request.
“The response has been very much to keep our community hall the way it is and to try to find a solution,” she said. “If we lose the big hall, we lose (Cavalcade). It's not a threat. I cannot put it on … It would be impossible. So if the city decides on allocating the big hall to (Extreme), well, our history is done.”
But Tracy Day, a volunteer who runs Extreme Gymnastics, said she wishes Cavalcade organizers would speak with her so they can work something out. Day said they love Dowling and the program has proved popular, but the space shortage has plagued them for several years.
Unlike Cavalcade and other events, Extreme uses the hall seven days a week and pays rent. But the chronic space shortage can't continue, she said.
“Either we get the other side (of the hall) and switch or we have to find a new location,” Day said.
She wanted to attend a meeting of Cavalcade organizers where the issue was discussed, but was told no, Day said. But Extreme is willing to help with the festival and other events and find a way to make things work. The smaller hall could definitely accommodate the other events, she said. It looks too small now with all the gymnastic equipment, but once that's cleared out, it's much roomier than some people realize, she said.
“They can't visualize it until we're out of there,” she said. “They look at it and it's full of equipment, so they don't think that it's that big. But you can put 300 people in there even with a dance floor.”
The acoustics are better on that side for shows, she said. And events in the big hall are often half empty, and would do better in the smaller space.
“It could be a win for everyone,” Day said. “I would even like to walk (Cavalcade officials) around and show them how they can set up and how it would be really good to have change. But some people just do not accept change as a bonus. They see it as a threat.”
In a statement, Greater Sudbury said it has received 610 responses to its survey as of Friday afternoon.
“No decision has been reached regarding the request from the Extreme North Gymnastics Club,” the release says. “Once the survey closes, City of Greater Sudbury staff will evaluate results based on qualitative and quantitative responses.
“Following evaluation, a recommendation will be made to proceed with the request or to remain status quo. If the recommendation is to proceed with the request, a draft lease would be negotiated for consideration of council.”
City staff met with Cavalcade of Colours on Oct. 15 to hear their concerns, and has contacted anyone who has rented the hall since May 2017 to get their input.
“The City of Greater Sudbury will share further information once the public consultation is completed,” the release said.
For her part, Portelance said approving Extreme's request would spell the end of the centre as a community hub, which would be devastating.
“They might as well close (it),” she said. “We already don't have any restaurants. We don't have anything. We have a Tim Hortons, the grocery store and our leisure centre where we meet. It would be taking away such a big part of our community.”
Day said that is an extreme position.
“If we have to move out of Dowling because they feel that they (have to cancel Cavalcade) because they don't have a one-day use of that two thirds (of the gym), that it's just ludicrous, it really is. They haven't been thinking too hard on that one.”
