Members of the Damascus Hall board of directors want to build a pavilion there.
Rita Cudney, Dianne Mac-Donald and Betsy Benham were at council Monday night with the proposal.
Cudney explained the board also submitted two possible budget proposals – each roughly $20,000 – based on materials, labour, excavation costs, permits and development charges. The proposal considered at the Wellington North recreation committee in February, which, in turn, recommended board members make their pitch to council.
Cudney said the 30- by 50-foot structure would most likely have a steel clad roof, and gravel base, and be located at the back of the lot, behind the hall. She said the location was picked to not obstruct the view of the hall, nor interfere with the well and septic system on site.
Cudney said labour costs were pegged at $8,400 “if we were to hire contractors.”
The expectation is that work would be done locally.
Excavation and gravel costs were budgeted at $3,100 “again if we to hire out for that work.” Building fees and permits were expected to be another $1,250.
The reason behind the proposal, she said is in the summer, people tend to move outdoors with lawn chairs near the front of the building or in the back where there is some shade. That is the area where the shelter is proposed.
“As well, our annual barbecue has suffered from inclement weather for the past several years,” Cudney said. “This would provide an extra area for picnic tables.”
Cudney said the delegation was at council to get consent to proceed with the project and to ask for any financial assistance.
Further, she asked if the building permit fees could be waived and if the township might be able to provide staff and equipment for the excavation work along with gravel.
“As a committee we are fairly confident.”
Right now, she said the committee has $5,000 set aside for the project. She stressed the majority of labour would be by local people.
“We’re fortunate to have several qualified contractors in the neighbourhood. We also have many knowledgeable women to put forth their ideas,” she laughed. We hope to continue to raise funds at our dinners and barbecues.”
Other projects underway include plans to put in a new roof over the kitchen area this summer.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said the timing of the request is good because council is in the midst of its budget talks.
He joked he had just put the decision onto Dan Yake, chairman of the finance committee and the board of works.
Broomhead believes it is a good project, and while a definitive answer could not be provided that night, he believed council was supportive.
“One thing I can say is that we’ll help you as best we can.”
He noted that support has been provided in the past for similar projects.
As for waiving the fees, he said council will need to deal with the building committee.
Broomhead asked the two councillors to look into it
Councillor Ross Chaulk is chairman of the building committee, and quickly responded “approved” to the waiving of the fees.
“It’s up to your end now Dan,” Chaulk laughed.
“You’ve put me in a bit of a spot,” Yake said with humour.
He agreed with Broomhead in that he did not believe there would be a problem providing support.
“It’s an enhancement to the community. Your committee works very hard to maintain that facility.”
He agreed that the final decision could not be made at that night’s council meeting.
“But we’ll make it work.”
The group had hoped to have the building for the summer, but realistically it may not be ready until September.
