Funding would resuscitate hall renovation

Clearview council has decided to proceed with accessibility renovations at the Duntroon Hall if, and only if, funding is available.

At Monday’s meeting councillors supported a recommendation from parks and recreation staff to apply to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a cost-shared program launched as part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario. The province is investing up to $200 million over three years to support Ontario’s growing communities with new and revitalized sport and recreation facilities by extending the lifespan of existing facilities and increasing accessibility, amongst other goals that improve community health and wellness.

The hall renovation was council’s preferred choice over a fully accessible playground budgeted at $150,000 that has been on the books for two years but has been delayed due to the increasing cost of playground equipment. Director of Parks and Recreation Terry Vachon estimates the total cost may have ballooned to $400,000 for a small basic accessible playground or up to $1 million for a large fully featured one.

Council passed a motion in November pausing the accessibility renovation schedule for the remaining four community halls that had been previously approved.

With inflation it is estimated the costs for the Duntroon Hall project has increased to $1,267,112, and to $1,020,877 for the Brentwood Hall. For all options, the municipality would be on the hook for half of the total project cost.

Council supported applying to the CSRIF with the highest priced option, as moved by Councillor Robert Walker, “in order to get the most bang for their buck.”

“If you’re going to take a present, you might was well take the bigger present under the tree,” said Marty Beelen in agreement.