THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL DECISION

DATE: July 4, 2017 Regular
TOPIC: Cottonwood Park Multi-purpose Stage/Shelter Design
Concept Approval
PROPOSAL: Approval of proceeding to design development
PROPOSED BY: Staff
_____________________________________________________________________
ANALYSIS SUMMARY:
The Railtown Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) was developed in
consultation with the community during 2015/16. It was based on previous planning
work completed, including the Sustainable Waterfront and Downtown Master Plan. The
Railtown SNAP took the concepts from previous higher level planning documents and
melded these into an action plan for an exciting new Railtown neighbourhood.

Railtown Vision Statement

In 2040, Railtown will be a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive neighbourhood with an

eclectic mix of local businesses and jobs to support community creativity and
entrepreneurship. A connected, quirky and lively public realm will support inclusivity, art,
ecology and community celebration. A broad range of innovative housing types will
address local housing needs and affordability. Railtowns intimate, cozy, and human
scale, together with its rich, industrial, and even gritty character, will be a venue for
building community, celebrating diversity, and supporting Nelsons resilience and self
reliance.

The Market precinct was one of five new precincts that have been identified in the
Railtown SNAP. The future market precinct was defined as follows:

Market Precinct is a hub for local culture, intergenerational connections, and ecology.
Open space strategies improve the health of the creek, and create better access
through Creekside trail, additional programming for outdoor leisure and play, food
security and ecological design through stormwater integration.

Key existing components of the market precinct are the Japanese Gardens and the
Cottonwood Market. The redesign of the market area was taking place as the planning
work for the Railtown SNAP was being completed. Although the market redesign
originally anticipated fixed structures for market vendors, after a market year without
fixed structures it was decided that the flexibility created with portable structures was
preferable. The hard surface plaza, new washrooms and a multi-purpose stage/shelter
area were all considered core components of the redesign.

The design of the new multi-purpose market space is coming to life and City Public
Works staff have installed services, completed the grading of the area and are in the
process of pouring the concrete for the plaza. A greenspace has been included in the
plaza and an important cherry tree was maintained.

The overall design includes several component pieces for this multipurpose facility,
including the central plaza area for market vendors, landscaping, Japanese gate, multi-
purpose stage/shelter, and washrooms. Construction of the central plaza area the
major element of the new market and multi-purpose space is underway and has an
anticipated mid-July 2017 completion (weather and conditions permitting).

As requested, City staff have now met with representatives from the West Kootenay
EcoSociety, Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society and COVER Architecture Collaborative
Inc, to gain additional feedback on the proposed multi-purpose stage/shelter. A letter of
support has been received from Izu-shi Friendship Society, the Eco-Society
representative strongly supported the need for multi-purpose stage/shelter and
proposed some more traditional designs using the CLT panels.

As per the attached letter from Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society they support the multi-
purpose opportunities that will be created by having this amenity. They also see the
opportunity to tie this multi-purpose stage/shelter into the Japanese Gardens by using
the roof and side and back panels and other complimentary components to accomplish
this. (see the potential concepts in the report by Cover Architectural)

After meeting with both groups they understood the various design outcomes that are
being achieved through the current design:

Reflecting the form and character as defined in the Railtown Neighbourhood

Sustainability Plan by using wood as the featured character element (reflecting
the importance of the forest industry in Nelson)
Using a value added wood product CLT panels which is a sustainable wood
product
Creating a structure that would be durable in the park setting; not climbable,
doesnt create hiding areas, mitigates graffiti opportunities; no pigeon perches
Can be tied aesthetically into the existing gardens
Ability to add Nelson centric elements and moving the vision for Railtown public
realm quirky and lively forward.
Acoustic performance (cathedral shape)
Free span at a much lower cost than a traditional band shelter
Protection from the elements
Multi-purpose (picnics, weddings, music, childrens play area, barbecue area)

BACKGROUND:
At the May 15, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting COVER Architecture
Collaborative Inc. presented design renderings, and an overview for a new
stage/covered shelter area (Attached). Highlights of the concept showcase a
contemporary design and mountain peaks as the predominant aesthetic reference;
and wood, in the form of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary structural
material. CLT is an engineered wood panel material with superior structural and
acoustic properties and is durable and cost effective, making it well suited as the
material of choice for the new stage. The CLT panels provide the structural integrity
without the need to use posts and beams. The proposed CLT stage is structurally
designed to provide good drainage including snowmelt.

BENEFITS OR DISADVANTAGES AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS:

Council approval of the design concept for the multi-purpose stage/shelter will permit
advancement of the design development. The use of CLT as the material of choice for
the stage, along with the contemporary design, provides unique opportunities for
securing and accepting materials and in-kind donations from suppliers and
manufacturers.

To date, Spearhead Timberworks and Structurlam - a Kelowna-based manufacturer of

value-added wood products, have provided letters of support for materials and in-kind
donations for this project (Attached). The Structurlam donation includes production and
fabrication of the CLT panels and is valued at ~ $7,000-$10,000. The Spearhead
Timberworks donation is for staff time put towards design and construction, and is
valued at ~$1,600. Given the excitement surrounding this project, there may be
opportunity to solicit and secure other donations; for example use of a crane and
welding services during construction, skilled trades time for electrical and finishing work
etc. The Class D (30%) cost estimate for the new multi-purpose stage/shelter is
$40,000.

The design and use of wood as the primary construction material opens-up
opportunities for securing one or more Canadian Wood Council awards. The materials
and design are also in the spirit of British Columbias Wood First initiative that seeks to
advance the use of wood building products and raise awareness of the province as a
world leader in advanced wood technology and design.

LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS, PRECEDENTS, POLICIES:

None identified at this time.

COSTS AND BUDGET IMPACT - REVENUE GENERATION:

Costs associated with the advancement of the design of the multi-purpose stage/shelter
is part of the fees approved for this project. Total fee budget was $15,000 and $9,000 is
available to complete detail design and construction drawings. The estimated net cost
to construct the multi-purpose stage/shelter is $30,000. Some of the partners have
indicated a willingness to fund raise for the construction costs.

IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES AND STAFF RESOURCES:

None identified at this time

COMMUNICATION:
None identified at this time.
.
OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES:
1. THAT Council approve the design concept for the new multi-purpose
stage/shelter in order to proceed with finalizing the design.
2. THAT Council choose not to approve the design concept, in which case design
development would not proceed.

ATTACHMENTS:
Cottonwood Park Design Presentation COVER Architecture Collaborative Inc.
Letters of Support - Spearhead Timberworks and Structurlam.
Letter of Support Izu-shi Society

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council passes the following resolution:
1. THAT Council approves the design concept for the new multi-purpose
stage/shelter and COVER Architecture Collaborative Inc. proceed with finalizing
the design.
AUTHOR: REVIEWED BY:

__________________________

MANAGER MUNICIPAL SERVICES CITY MANAGER

Ideas for the Stage Hat June 16, 2017

Lukas, I think you had suggested last week that we continue to throw ideas into the hat for
the stage. In response, wed like to restate our feeling that the stage design should reference
its location in the park, as a neighbour to the garden, and also recommend that the next
presentation of the concept reference its use in the community.

As you know, our society members would like to see some commonality or harmony with
other elements in the park, however that may be achieved. The suggestions of painted
murals or tiles on the sides illustrating local themes and contributed by community
members would be a good way. Openings on the back panels providing sight lines through
to the garden would help. The use of stone around the base would connect the stage to the
adjacent garden walls and sculptures as well as to the waterfall and the stone walls
throughout the city. Perhaps stained timbers, even though not structurally necessary, could
be incorporated in some way to highlight the shape of the stage and echo the two gates and
our woodcraft tradition. We hope that these ideas and others could be considered as the
design process moves ahead.

Equally important is the way the stage is presented and viewed. We think that the
presentation, both illustrations and text, should focus on its use by the whole community.
For the concept to win support and approval by the City Council and members of the public,
we think it needs to show the different ways the stage could be used, beyond a focus only on
the Saturday Market. People need to see themselves going down to the park and using this
new community space, to see the stage as a valuable outdoor facility which provides
opportunities we presently dont have in Nelson.

Could a few new images be included in the next presentation to Council and the media to
show these different opportunities? How about a sketch of a childrens play taking place on
the stage with parents and grandparents looking on? A local teenage band, with their young
friends dancing in front of the stage? As a venue for storytelling, such as the Asian Heritage
Month stories recently shared at Touchstones? Perhaps as a location for a charity event in
connection with a Railtown theme? Maybe a family reunion or wedding anniversary? And of
course some Saturday afternoon musicians at the market too. The use of the new market
area in the park for other groups is something we talked about early on. We think this idea
should be applied to the stage itself in order to gain support and approval, and in reality, to
create a public venue that could be shared and used by all.

Finally, we like the references to the use of wood and the possibility of this CLT building
attracting attention and even awards. Perhaps a connection can be made to Nelsons
growing reputation for innovation in other areas.

Kevin, could you please express our thanks to the Mayor and City Council (and to you, too)
for deferring consideration of this proposal to allow for more consultation. We were happy
to get together again on this project! We trust that it will be successful in the end and will
result in the creation of an exciting new community space.

Yours sincerely,

John Armstrong and Jim Sawada

for the Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society
Architectural
Collaborative COTTONWOOD PARK 2017.06.28
Inc
DESIGN PRESENTATION
 To: City Council, Nelson BC
Re: Cottonwood Stage
Dear City Council,
I am writing to request your support for the schematic design of the Cottonwood stage. We believe
we have created a world class design that will be a valuable addition to the cultural fabric of the
community.
The following is a brief background and some additional information about the project.
History
The proposed design and the plaza in which it is located, are the result of an exhaustive 2.5 year
process. During that time we have met with vendors, various members of the Eco-society, members of
the Izu-shi Society, members of the music community, engineers, city staff and the general public.
Both the Izu-shi Society and the Eco Society have recently voiced renewed support for the stage
project, as evidenced in the attached letters.
We will be working with both groups to reduce the over-all impact of the stage on the Garden, and turn
the exterior of the wall surfaces into an art project with potential for public input.
We have an opportunity to create a remarkable contemporary destination. Drawing the public to the
park has been a key consideration for the project.
A large percentage of the Public will always disagree with proposed designs of Public Spaces. In most
cases, by the time the finished product is built and being used, those concerns disappear. We are
confident that the proposed design will be a beautiful addition to the Park and Market Plaza.
Thank-you,
Stage
- The current design has been carefully considered. There are functional rationals driving the form.
- The result will be a cathedral like space that is warm and vibrant due to the use of BC wood.
- The project uses a new material - Cross Laminated Timber(CLT)- as the main structural material.
- We have secured over $7,000 in gifts in kind from the CLT manufacturer and over $3000 in gifts in kind
from Spearhead, who will provide detailing assistance and site construction assistance.
- This stage is low cost. With some additional gifts in kind, it could be completed for around $30,000.
Simplifying the stage to a single flat roof would of course cost less, but would not have the same energy.
Creating a curved bandshell would cost significantly more.
- Cover will continue to assist with fundraising if necessary. With gifts in kind or additional CIP grants, we
may get the build costs to $20,000.00.
- The design includes acoustic considerations. The reality is that every show on the stage will be amplified.
- The dynamic roof line and long span are possible because of the use of CLT combined with a shaped C-
channel at the leading edge.
- The geometry in the walls create triangulation which provides shear strength. As a result we do not need
cross braces or knee braces that create pigeon perches.
- The wall and roof height has been designed to balance the need for performer weather protection with-
out creating a refuge for the transient population.
- The predominant material in the project is a BC value added wood product. Given the current state of
the industry, value added products are important to both our local and provincial economies. There is the
strong potential of winning a wood first award from the province.
- The dynamic form will create a draw for locals and visitors alike. The increase in traffic will help alleviate
some of the use issues that currently exist in the park.
- The city will have a new rentable outdoor event space that has the potential to act as a catalyst for the
Railtown renewal plan.
- The arts community will have a new performance space with the potential for summer programming
through lunch hours, all day on Sunday, and every evening seven days a week.
- The exterior wall surfaces will be developed into an art piece with the potential for public input.

The city has an opportunity to create an affordable and dynamic addition to the cultural fabric of the City
Lukas Armstrong, Principal and we encourage council to support the project and the work that has been done to get here.

Cover Architectural Collaborative Inc. Cover Architectural Collaborative Inc.

#5 - 320 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC, Canada V1L 4E4 p.250.354.4445 f.250.352.0017 www.coverac.ca #5 - 320 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC, Canada V1L 4E4 p.250.354.4445 f.250.352.0017 www.coverac.ca
Graeme Leadbeater Architect AIBC, AAA, FRAIC, Principal Graeme Leadbeater Architect AIBC, AAA, FRAIC, Principal
Lukas Armstrong, B.Des, M.Arch, Principal Lukas Armstrong, B.Des, M.Arch, Principal
Robert Stacey, Architect AIBC, Principal Robert Stacey, Architect AIBC, Principal

Architectural
Collaborative
2017.06.28
Inc
 4655 Hwy 3A www.spearhead.ca
Nelson, BC 250.825.4300
V1L 6N3

LukasArmstrong Ideas for the Stage Hat June 16, 2017

CoverArchitecture
#5320VernonStreet Lukas, I think you had suggested last week that we continue to throw ideas into the hat for
Nelson,BCV1L4E4 the stage. In response, wed like to restate our feeling that the stage design should reference
its location in the park, as a neighbour to the garden, and also recommend that the next
Lukas Armstrong presentation of the concept reference its use in the community.
Cover Architecture
RE:CottonwoodMarketSupport #5 320 Vernon Street
Nelson, BC V1L 4E4 As you know, our society members would like to see some commonality or harmony with
other elements in the park, however that may be achieved. The suggestions of painted
DearLukas, 2017.05.11
murals or tiles on the sides illustrating local themes and contributed by community
members would be a good way. Openings on the back panels providing sight lines through
This letter affirms our support to provide the production and fabrication of the CrossLam CLT panels for the to the garden would help. The use of stone around the base would connect the stage to the
re: cottonwood market support
CottonwoodMarketStageStructure.Weunderstandthatthefibrerequiredtopressthepanelswillbeprovidedby adjacent garden walls and sculptures as well as to the waterfall and the stone walls
others.Wealsounderstandthatthefabricationdrawingswillbeprovidedbyothers. throughout the city. Perhaps stained timbers, even though not structurally necessary, could
Weanticipatethattherewillbesomeflexibilityaroundtheschedulesothatitwillfitinefficientlywithourexisting be incorporated in some way to highlight the shape of the stage and echo the two gates and
productionobligations. Dear Lukas, our woodcraft tradition. We hope that these ideas and others could be considered as the
design process moves ahead.
Pleasecontactmeifyouhaveanyquestions. This letter arms our support to provide the following contributions to the Cottonwood Park Bandshell
and Commemorative Gate:
Equally important is the way the stage is presented and viewed. We think that the
t
Design assist and component fabrication for the Commemorative Gate presentation, both illustrations and text, should focus on its use by the whole community.
t
Construction assistance for the Commemorative Gate estimated as 1 person for 1 day.
OnbehalfofBillDowning,PresidentofStructurlamProductsLP For the concept to win support and approval by the City Council and members of the public,
t
Design detailing assistance for the Bandshell we think it needs to show the different ways the stage could be used, beyond a focus only on
t
Construction assistance for the Bandshell, estimated to be 2 people for 2 days the Saturday Market. People need to see themselves going down to the park and using this
new community space, to see the stage as a valuable outdoor facility which provides
Please contact me if you have any questions. opportunities we presently dont have in Nelson.

Could a few new images be included in the next presentation to Council and the media to
Sincerely,
show these different opportunities? How about a sketch of a childrens play taking place on
the stage with parents and grandparents looking on? A local teenage band, with their young
friends dancing in front of the stage? As a venue for storytelling, such as the Asian Heritage
Month stories recently shared at Touchstones? Perhaps as a location for a charity event in
DaveGardner
connection with a Railtown theme? Maybe a family reunion or wedding anniversary? And of
Tara Primeau course some Saturday afternoon musicians at the market too. The use of the new market
MassTimberSpecialist
On behalf of Ted Hall and Randy Richmond
area in the park for other groups is something we talked about early on. We think this idea
should be applied to the stage itself in order to gain support and approval, and in reality, to
StructurlamProductsLP
create a public venue that could be shared and used by all.

Finally, we like the references to the use of wood and the possibility of this CLT building
attracting attention and even awards. Perhaps a connection can be made to Nelsons
growing reputation for innovation in other areas.

Kevin, could you please express our thanks to the Mayor and City Council (and to you, too)


2176GovernmentStreet
Penticton,BC|V2A8B5
for deferring consideration of this proposal to allow for more consultation. We were happy

(250)4928912 to get together again on this project! We trust that it will be successful in the end and will
www.structurlam.com
1 result in the creation of an exciting new community space.

Yours sincerely,

John Armstrong and Jim Sawada

for the Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society

Architectural
Collaborative Letters of Support 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative SITE PLAN 2017.01.17
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative STAGE 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
ALTERNATE MATERIAL HISTORICAL DISPLAY BRIDGE IN IZU, SHIZUOKA

JAPANESE NATURE HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS STREET ART

Architectural
Collaborative
2017.06.28
Inc

BACK OF THE STAGE - Public Art Opportunity

Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative STAGE - Market Use 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative STAGE - Weddings + Other Private Events 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative STAGE - Day Events 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative STAGE - Night Events 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative CLT REFERENCES 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park
Architectural
Collaborative CLT REFERENCES 2017.06.28
Inc
Cottonwood Park