MINTO – After an unsuccessful attempt to obtain funding in 2023, Minto has finally received a provincial grant to purchase and install a fixed generator at the Palmerston and District Community Centre Complex.
A couple of years ago, Minto Fire staff reviewed the emergency plan for the town and recognized a short coming: the municipality’s main evacuation centre had no back-up power should an emergency occur.
Town staff received notice on Jan. 28 that its second funding application for the project, submitted in 2024 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant program, was successful.
“The grant allocation is $48,800 which will cover all of the costs, minus some incidentals we might encounter along the way,” stated a fire services report to council on Feb. 4. “The grant is meant to cover the cost of the generator and the cost of the installation.”
A portion of the town’s budget may be needed to “change some wiring in the building.” An electrician will work with staff to confirm installation needs.
The new generator is said to give reassurance if an electricity outage is encountered. According to the report, it also ensures the community centre will always have electricity to continue to house anyone in need.
“The renovation last year that put in a larger kitchen facility will also benefit as we will be able to use it throughout any electricity failure,” stated the report.
“The project will start in the spring once the snow melts,” director of fire services Chris Harrow told the Advertiser in a Feb. 13 email. “It shouldn’t take long.”
The process will essentially involve pouring a cement pad and placing the new generator on top, he said.
“This is the last large thing we need for the facility to operate in hazardous conditions,” he said. “We should have the ability to shelter people in need of evacuation under all conditions.”
The town’s funding is meant to cover the entire cost of the project. Any incidentals or additional work will be resolved within the 2025 budget.
Council unanimously authorized the mayor and treasurer to sign the transfer payment agreement in order to begin the project.
