A township maintenance facility destroyed in a fire in December of 2013 is one step closer to reconstruction at the municipality’s administration headquarters site on Sideroad 16.
With the approval of the 2015 budget on March 31, Mapleton council approved a layout design for the new facility, at an estimated cost of $5,433,000, which will be funded through insurance recovery, a municipal debenture and reserves/reserve funds.
The township states in a press release existing development charges have anticipated growth-related expansion of the maintenance facility and those funds are also being leveraged for the project.
“While the loss of the former Peel shop was a setback to the municipality at the time, council and staff have spent many hours in exploring opportunities for operational and administrative efficiencies and improved accountability in the new shop,” the release states.
Township officials say cost saving measures include:
– merging the township’s two maintenance facilities into one. Previously managers had to coordinate two shops both in terms of staff, equipment, tools and maintenance/repair. Proper storage of fleet and equipment will also reduce maintenance costs;
– constructing a building of non-combustible materials with a fire suppression system results in approximately $30,000 per year savings in insurance premiums. This is the equivalent of the annual payment for a debenture of $400,000;
– improved energy efficiencies (LED lighting, etc.) to reduce energy costs; and
– partnering with the County of Wellington in 2016 when the county replaces its Drayton shop on the Mapleton site. A consolidated maintenance facility will result in additional site development costs and annual operating savings, including shared fuel, sand and salt storage, officials state.
Combining the Peel and Maryborough maintenance facilities also eliminates the need for improvements, modification and renovations to the existing Moorefield maintenance facility to ensure health and safety compliance and to meet upcoming Source Water Protection Plan policies.
The township is considering leasing the Maryborough facility, which may result in additional income for the township to help offset the cost of the annual debenture repayment.
Director of public works Brad McRoberts said, “Township staff expect the tender will be issued within the next few weeks, with a construction completion in December, 2015.” He commended staff for their efforts in working from one shop since the fire loss, noting the Maryborough facility was not built to house all of the equipment and staff.
