When Wellington County builds an outdoor shelter at the Little Tract, it will likely be using the construction itself as a teaching tool.
The county planning committee had recommended that a pavilion be built at the Little Tract, in Puslinch Township, at the Little Tract site. That land was donated to the county in the middle of the last century.
The committee received correspondence from Mark Bolzon, the county manager of purchasing and risk management. He said the staff will work with Ventin Group architects on the design, and the cost would be minimal.
He said the total cost of the pavilion should not exceed “an upset limit of $30,000.
The committee recommended the structure cost a maximum of $12,000.
Whitcombe did not complain about that limit, but suggested that the county build the structure the old fashioned way and celebrate the county’s Green Legacy and also the Little Tract, where that Green Legacy is based.
He suggested getting loggers to use horses, and to use timber from the Little Tract for the building.
He said he also knows a man who has a steam museum and that man could mill the wood using steam power, and a framer’s guild could design the pavilion.
As well, he said, the construction should be documented, so future generations can see how the old fashioned methods worked.
“It might take more time,” Whitcombe said, adding, “But money – not a lot. We’re using that forest [at the Little Tract] and the Green Legacy for a legacy and for education.”
Planning committee chairman Walter Trachsel told council he had discussed the proposal with Whitcombe, and “The idea has some merit.”
Trachsel said the project is being done because the house on the Little Tract that is being used for the Green Legacy is too small to accommodate all staff, particularly when it rains, and the pavilion would provide extra shelter.
Councillor Lou Maieron suggested that Whitcombe could put his proposal in writing and send it to the committee for consideration.
“Next year’s budget starts today,” said Maieron. Council had just passed the 2008 budget. He said his one concern is the pavilion be smaller than the house.
Councillor Jean Innes said she liked Whitcombe’s proposal.
“I’m really excited … This is something we should move forward on,” Innes said.
Whitcombe said he would be happy to make a presentation to the committee.
That would not interfere with the schedule for the pavilion. Bolzon had stated a final report was likely to be ready for the committee to consider in April.
