Council to share cost of new Station heating system

Station on the Green will receive financial assistance from the Township of Clearview to replace the community centre’s heating and air conditioning system.
Board chair Linda Coulter was before council on Sept. 9 to request the municipality pitch in half of the bill, quoted at $24,521.
Coulter explained that rentals and fundraising covers the annual budget but there are other necessary expenses coming up, including a new coat of paint, an updated AV system, a keyless entry system, and the solar panels need updating. She reminded council that the Station, which opened in 2002, was built thanks to community donations, with 495 individuals contributing more than $600,000, and that the facility is self sufficient for the most part.
“Last year there were 460 separate uses of the hall and 321 separate uses so far this year. The hall is used for special events such as weddings, birthday parties, and celebrations of life, as well as weekly community events such as Tai Chi, Early ON, summer camps, the farmers’ market and every Sunday, The Clearview Community Church,” said Coulter. “With so many people and groups from the Clearview/Creemore area dependent on the use of this facility, we have no choice but to replace our heating and air conditioning system. However, our yearly revenue just covers our yearly expenses with little to spare, and a new heating and air conditioning system would use up most of our bank account. That is why we are looking to you for support and help on this capital expense.”
CAO Steve Sage said it was staff’s recommendation to approve the request because there is a memorandum of understanding in place for exactly this type of support.
“For big purchases like this it is imperative that the municipality should be a partner,” said Sage.
Council approved the expenditure, choosing to take the money from the tax stabilization reserve.