Facility Planning Study Overview 2025

The Facilities Master Plan was developed to evaluate, modernize and optimize the City’s municipal facilities over the next decade. The plan addresses deferred maintenance, fragmented operations and outdated buildings, while aligning with the Council’s vision for sustainability, accessibility and operational efficiency.

The City owns approximately 90 properties and facilities and employs up to 272 full-time staff. The updated plan builds on prior studies, including the 2008 Facilities Master Plan (PDF), and incorporates a current space needs analysis. This analysis focuses on accommodating existing staff and ensuring appropriate space requirements.

The 2024/2025 updated Facilities Master Plan (PDF) includes the 2024 space needs assessment as part of the overall facility planning study. Facility recommendations and sizing are based on accommodating current staffing levels to ensure appropriate space needs are met.

Guiding principles for the plan include cost and operational efficiency, economic development, sustainability, equity, flexible design, historic preservation and emergency preparedness.


Key Takeaway

  • The City owns and maintains an excessive number of facilities across separate locations, resulting in dispersed staff and fragmented customer service delivery.

 

General Recommendations

  1. Invest in high-quality, right-sized facilities that reflect civic pride and long-term value.
  2. Prioritize projects that deliver multiple community benefits, such as energy savings and co-located services.
  3. Integrate CEAP (Climate Energy Action Plan) targets into all major capital projects.
  4. Establish a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with redundant systems and secure communications.
  5. Improve staff and public transportation access, including EV fleet expansion and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian options.
  6. Utilize Cartegraph asset management software to monitor maintenance needs and capital planning.
  7. Continue digital transformation efforts to reduce reliance on physical storage space.