Upgrades to the Maryborough Community Centre got the nod from Mapleton council as the priority project for a Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) grant program.
Council will apply for one-third funding for $265,000 worth of work on the facility.
Proposed upgrades include an access ramp, roof replacement, building retrofit and a new entrance sign.
The retrofit, which includes renovation of the washrooms, halls, bar area and kitchen improvements, is the most expensive element of the project, at an estimated $200,000. Roof replacement is expected to cost $40,000, the access ramp $20,000 and the entrance sign $5,000.
The upgrades to the Moorefield facility were among the key recommendations in a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was approved by council at the Aug. 14 meeting. The township’s Parks, Culture and Recreation Committee selected the project from among recreation priorities listed in the plan.
After some debate, council agreed to apply for funding of 33.3 per cent through the CIIF program, even though projects are eligible for up to 50 per cent funding.
CAO Patty Sinnamon noted the program guidelines state, “priority may be given,” to projects requiring only 33.3 per cent funding.
“We can apply for 50 per cent, but I think it’s a flag to me when I see in the guidelines that priority may be given to projects requiring only 33.3 per cent,” she said.
Councillor Neil Driscoll agreed applying for the smaller figure was the way to go, “especially when you get the message that that’s what you should do.”
Mayor Bruce Whale said he anticipated most other municipalities would apply for a share of the $150 million fund. Nearly $50 million is earmarked for projects in Ontario over the next two years. Community and recreational facilities are among the type of infrastructure for which municipal governments may apply for funding.
Whale said the township would need to ensure the facility is utilized if the upgrades proceed.
“A concern I have, and I don’t know how to address it, is filling up of the facility, so that it is being used enough – that there is enough use of the facility so there is a payback,” Whale said.
“You almost have to do the upgrades before you go out and promote it, but you almost want to make sure there is a marketing plan in place before you go out and spend the taxpayers’ money,” he added.
Council directed staff to prepare the CIIF application in time for the Aug. 24 deadline, based on applying for 33.3 per cent of the Maryborough Community Centre project.
In a report to council, Sinnamon indicated the township could apply to Wellington County for a $10,000 accessibility grant to help with that portion of the project. An anticipated $40,850 in 2013 parkland dedication fees could also be used to offset the township’s portion of the project, she suggested.
