Wanted: Made in Canada trailer
What started as a routine request to approve funding for the purchase of a storage trailer quickly morphed into a discussion of the Clearview Township’s procurement policy, and the need to support Canadian businesses.
For some time, the Creemore Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been searching for a location for a storage building to store seasonal event assets including tables and Muskoka chairs. While the search continues, township staff have recommended the purchase of a 30-foot trailer at a cost not to exceed $22,000 plus tax.
Councillor Robert Walker noted that a 12’ x 18’ “WellBuilt” building can be purchased for around $9,000 so the BIA could have two buildings for less than the cost of the trailer.
Terry Vachon, director of parks and recreation agreed that a permanent building would be the desired solution, but noted that the BIA has spent more than six years looking for the right location.
“Currently the BIA has assets stored in multiple locations,” he said. “The trailer could be stored at the Creemore Community Centre or at the township owned lot near the Creemore Library and moved to event locations as needed. The only thing required to move the trailer is a three-quarter- ton truck. The township will own the trailer and it will be moved using parks and rec staff.”
Councillor Marty Beelen said he could not support the purchase of a trailer made in the United States.
Treasurer Kelly McDonald told the meeting, “Our current procurement policy doesn’t speak to country of origin but we do have provisions for approved vendor lists and tender processes. In my opinion, if council decides they want one supplier rather than another, that is within their rights.”
CAO John Ferguson says there is no immediate plan to change the procurement policy to reflect the current tariff situation with the U.S., but agrees with McDonald that council can choose to buy Canadian adding, “We are committed to supporting local businesses and Canadian companies.”
Council approved funding to purchase the trailer with money from the Tax Stabilization Reserve after the motion was amended to stipulate that council would prefer the trailer be made in Canada.
