Mapleton Township will apply for funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to renovate the Maryborough Community Centre.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario is providing funding to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. For municipalities, the application deadline is June 9.
In a report to council at the May 26 meeting, Mapleton CAO Patty Sinnamon said, “Staff are of the opinion that this project best meets the eligibility criteria and long-term value to the community.”
The need for upgrades to the facility are identified in the township’s parks and recreation master plan and also included in the proposed five-year capital plan, scheduled for 2016, with an estimated cost of $300,000.
To be eligible, a minimum of 50 per cent of the project cost would need to be funded by the township, with priority being given to projects that leverage 66.6% or more.
Public works director Brad McRoberts noted the fact the building was built in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, might make it attractive to decision makers for the 150th funding program.
McRoberts and Adrian Mauro of Chamberlain Architects gave council an outline of potential elements of the proposed project.
Mauro indicated that while “the stonework is very nice” the building’s Mansard roof “is a bit dated,” and the facility “could use a covered outdoor area.”
Interior floor and ceiling replacement, lighting improvements and washroom upgrades could also be part of the project, he suggested.
Councillor Marlene Ottens commented she liked the idea of the enhanced outdoor area.
“I’m a huge proponent of outdoor spaces,” said Ottens, noting the Moorefield facility would could benefit from such a space because of the attractive tree-lined location.
“I wouldn’t want an outdoor space in Drayton (at the PMD arena) because there is nothing to see behind it. Moorefield would be a great place to have a courtyard,” she noted.
Councillor Michael Martin pointed out the sound system at the facility “is very 1970s and you can’t really power anything though it other than a microphone.”
McRoberts responded that “definitely a good quality sound system would be part of that renovation,” adding the systems are, “much less expensive than they once were.”
Councillor Lori Woodham noted council has already “in essence” approved spending $300,000 on the facility and asked how large a project staff were contemplating.
“Is it a $400,000 project? Is it a $280,000 project?” wondered Mayor Neil Driscoll.
“I think it’s a half a million, that’s what we’re talking about, and that’s without doing any major renovations,” replied McRoberts.
Driscoll noted if successful, the grant would provide an opportunity for the township to accomplish much-needed upgrades.
“It’s obviously not busy for a reason, it’s dated. If we don’t do something with that facility soon, nobody’s going to want to rent it,” he said.
“If we can get what we want within the program and we get a good facility, I think it’s a good project,” said Ottens.
Council accepted the report for information and supported the submission of an application.
