Council Briefs: Council picks up Station on the Green water bill
As a way of alleviating some of the financial pressure on Station on the Green caused by the public washrooms, Clearview council agreed March 25 to redirect its water and sewer bill, saving the community centre about $1,100.
The request was tabled last week by committee chair and council rep Marty Beelen who pointed out that the Creemore facility is the only volunteer-run community centre that is connected to municipal services.
Beelen found unanimous support for his motion which made the case that the washrooms are a benefit to the community and are used by the public year-round, even when the hall is not rented and not generating revenue.
2024 Community Assistance Grant & Sponsorship program
Clearview council has allocated $26,650 during the first round of Community Assistance Grant and Sponsorship applications, leaving $50,650 available for future requests.
The program allows council the opportunity to provide financial assistance to various volunteer-driven not-for-profit community groups that provide a recognized contribution to the well being of the residents of Clearview.
2024 first intake recipients:
- 1944 Creemore Army Cadets, $1,000
- Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of Southern Georgian Bay, $1,000
- Brentwood Horticultural Society, $700
- Clearview Stayner Food Bank, $2,500
- Creemore Cats, $1,000
- Creemore Community Foundation (Sundays in the Park series), $2,500
- Creemore Farmers & Craft Market Indigenous Market, $1,000
- Creemore Firefighters Association (Canada Day fireworks), $5,000
- Creemore Horticultural Society, $1,000
- Cybergnomes Robotics, $2,000
- Friends of Stayner Union Cemetery, $450
- Home Horizon Transitional Program, $2,000
- SilverShoe Historical Society, $500
- South Simcoe 4-H, $500
- Stayner Horticultural Society, $3,000
- Stayner Heritage Society, $500
- Stayner Lawn Bowling Club, $1,000
- The Living Wish Foundation, $1,000
Centennial Park bridge replacement approved
Council has approved the replacement of a pedestrian bridge at Centennial Park in Stayner that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Council has accepted a proposal submitted by Algonquin Bridge in the amount of $87,815 for the replacement of the “middle bridge” accounted for in this year’s municipal budget.
“The middle bridge was deemed to be safe for patrons to use. It presently sits on cement columns and is fixed to the ground at both ends,” reported Terry Vachon. “There’s a perception that the bridge was deemed not safe as the blocks of the beautification retaining wall under the bridge that was used to cover the columns, had fallen apart into the creek. The retaining wall was installed approximately in 2010. However, with the recent high-water table that the creek has been experiencing due to storms surges and spring runoffs, the middle bridge should be replaced with a higher clearance.”
The price includes engineering and construction of the steel prefabricated truss bridge.
First…bridge was sole sourced non emergency bid. Meaning zero alternatives were proposed.
Second…was never anchored to anything…sits on rotted railway ties serving as abutments.
Third…past its lifetime? The bridge structure is solid. Just like the one Vachon removed last fall. Ask yourself…where did that one go? Someone got a free solid bridge fr their farm
Fourth…high water had zero to do with its present condition. I have photos dating back to 2010 showing the structural failures of the abutments to the point of collapse of the concrete piers into the creek. Indifference by staff and this council are the causation.