City hall wants to improve pathways, upgrade Pla-Mor Palace’s lighting, demolish a West End Park building and evaluate the Cultural Centre’s basement this year, but some on city council question the need to spend that money.
During the March 11 regular council meeting, the parks and recreation department presented eight additional capital projects it wants to pursue this year.
Some projects include $101,554 to improve pathways and address the weather-related damage they have experienced; $20,000 to finish installing LEDs at the Palace; $68,500 to demolish the Scouts Hall building in West End Park; and $20,000 to complete a structural assessment of the Cultural Centre’s basement because of shifting.
Council voted 6-1 to approve the eight initiatives; Coun. Kim Robinson was opposed.
Coun. Doug Blanc thought approving the pathway surface project was “a tough one,” even though he regularly sees residents using them — “I see more and more people out there” — and often rides his bike on them.
While he knew those areas required repair, he was worried because other projects — such as the cast iron replacement program — would be starting soon. Yet, he acknowledged that if the city didn’t fix those pathways now, they would be in worse shape next year and likely cost more to address.
Meanwhile, Blanc supported the structural assessment at the Cultural Centre because if that building began to fall apart, it would likely cost the city millions of dollars — and not just $20,000 — to fix.
Blanc also asked for clarification on the LED project because the report said lighting comprised 16 per cent of electrical consumption at the Pla-Mor Palace. However, he wanted an actual dollar amount since that percentage meant nothing without context.
The parks and rec department budgeted $97,125 for electricity expenses at the Palace this year, so 16 per cent of that is $15,800, said director Derek Blais.
Robinson inquired about the Scouts Hall building Park and wondered if it “really was beyond redemption,” considering he drives past it regularly and it looks good from the outside. He also wondered if the department had conducted a structural assessment on it.
The department has conducted an assessment and the building is beyond salvageable, said Blais. In fact, workers must wear hazardous materials suits when they enter because of how unsafe it is; therefore, it requires demolition.
Deferred projects
City council deferred $790,000 in parks and rec capital projects this year to balance the 2024 budget. Those projects — included in Blais’ overall report — included:
- Playground renewal program ($120,000)
- Old cemetery irrigation upgrades ($215,000)
- Accessibility upgrades program ($35,000)
- Consultations on new air handling units at Kinsmen Arena ($25,000)
- City hall clock tower bell restoration ($20,000)
- Community capital grant program ($10,000)
- Sportsplex lifeguard room renovations and consulting ($50,000)
- Mae Wilson Theatre ceiling repairs and painting ($75,000)
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 25.
