While it may seem the wrong time of year, Elora resident Ian Evans is helping the village to stay green.
On Jan. 22, Evans provided a $1,000 donation to the Elora Green Space.
“I love the project, I see it every day and it enhances Elora,” said Evans.
“We get enjoyment out of it every time I see it so I can’t think of a better place to donate to keep this going.”
Evans does a lot of public speaking engagements and “sometimes corporations will make a donation to a specific charity instead of a direct payment to me.”
Of the Elora Green Space donation, Evans said, “I can’t think of a better place for it to go.”
Proponent Kirk McElwain noted, “Ian very generously offered to donate to the green space fund … this is his second donation, so we are very thankful.”
McElwain noted those involved with the project still have a bit further to go in fundraising efforts – “We’re still lacking a few thousand dollars.” McElwain said people can still make tax-deducable donations through the Centre Wellington Community Foundation.
“We want to keep raising funds even after the final $2,000 is raised,” he said.
He explained that in the long term, proponents would like to replace the gravel – to make the site more accessible for people in wheelchairs and those with baby strollers.
He stressed the money was donated by citizens.
“We also had a lot of donations of product, which reduced costs. But we still needed a loan to pay off the contractor at the end,” McElwain said.
“It cost us about $100,000 and we have an interest-free loan from the township which we are still paying back.”
McElwain estimated the value of the work at the site at more than $300,000 – as a result of volunteer work and donated materials.
The land remains owned by Suncor and currently managed by Centre Wellington Parks and Recreation on a long-term basis.
McElwain said the site is still considered contaminated so there is no expectation it will be sold quickly.
When asked how much the land is used, McElwain said in the summer it is always in use.
The BIA makes arrangements for music every Sunday afternoon, play performances and an outdoor film event in cooperation with the Gorge Cinema.
“It’s been used for weddings … and I believe the tall man has become the most photographed item in Elora … more than the Tooth of Time,” said McElwain.
