DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard
BROCK: Councillors recently convened, to assess the progress of various capital projects, funded in the 2024 budget year.
The report, provided by the then Manager of Parks, Recreation, Facilities, and IT, alongside input from the Director of Public Works and the Treasurer, was included on the council meeting agenda for Monday, September 23rd. It highlighted both completed and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving community infrastructure.
Among the notable projects discussed, the delivery of an electric Zamboni, for the Sunderland Arena, is scheduled for Spring 2025. This new unit is expected to serve both Sunderland and Cannington during renovations, demonstrating the Council's commitment to upgrading local facilities.
Council also celebrated the completion of essential repairs at Thorah Island Dock. These involved the installation of new connecting hardware and the repair of a leaking finger dock. Meanwhile, the design of the King Street Track, in Beaverton, is still underway, and revised concept plans for Macleod Park have been received and will be presented to the Council, in due course.
The report noted, Council is keen on expanding recreational opportunities, with plans for new pickleball courts, in Beaverton and Cannington. The Beaverton court will be integrated into the King Street Park project, while Cannington's court is in progress, following adjustments to accommodate a larger basketball court, as previously approved by Council.
During discussions, Regional Councillor Mike Jubb inquired about the status of the Cannington park pavilion which should be reaching a milestone in the coming weeks.
“Currently, the status of this project is, the plans have been completed, they have been moved over to an engineering firm for their stamp, and once we have those back we will be putting it out to tender,” commented Wayne Ward, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities. Mr. Ward added, there have been discussions with the Cannington Lions Club about fundraising for this project, but an amount would be determined once the project has been finalized through the tender process.
Several additional projects are in various stages of completion, including: play structure replacements, with proposals for Cannington’s Macleod Park which have been solicited from three companies, and with King Street Park in Beaverton, replacements pending council decisions. The Beaverton Arena Auditorium renovation is currently in the planning stages. Delays have been encountered, due to appliance decisions and architectural revisions. Updates have been communicated to the Beaverton Lions Club throughout the process.
Moreover, projects involving security camera installations, LED retrofits for both Beaverton and Cannington libraries, and improvements at the Beaverton Town Hall, for accessibility, are also progressing.
The report detailed outstanding projects from the 2024 budget, including a backup power generator, for the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre which is pending load sizing confirmation before tendering. The Thorah Island decking repairs are slated for RFP issuance, with anticipated completion in October.
Additionally, several projects from previous years are still ongoing or awaiting completion, including masonry repairs, for municipal buildings, and enhancements, at the Sunderland Arena which are currently budgeted together for $7,600,655.69.
The report emphasized the importance of these projects, to enhance community facilities and services, underscoring a commitment to maintaining and improving infrastructure throughout the Township. Future discussions will continue, as the Council seeks to address outstanding items and explore further enhancements to the community.
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