Builder’s gift faces insurance hurdle

By Bonnie MacPherson

What started out as a gift to the community has turned complicated for a local builder. When Gord Zeggil of Mountain Ridge Homes first heard about a campaign to rebuild the wooden bleachers at Gowan Park in Creemore, he stepped up and volunteered. Then, according to Parks and Rec Director Terry Vachon, “The lawyers got involved.”

It was determined that due to concerns around liability insurance and WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) regulations, volunteers could not be permitted to work on township property without township supervision. In order to accept Zeggil’s offer, the township must enter into a lease agreement with his company, and Mountain Ridge Homes will be required to make a security deposit and provide insurance for the project.

Zeggil is deeply committed to the community and says he is happy to donate his time and that of his employees. “I just want to make it really clear that I am not making any money on this. Between the free labour and fundraising to cover the cost of materials, we should be able to deliver this project at no cost to the township.”

When local resident Zak Hayward learned last summer that the wooden bleachers at Gowan Park were slated to be demolished and replaced with low-profile aluminum bleachers, he approached council with a plea to rethink the plan. A petition asking for the character of the ball park to be maintained with wooden bleachers received more than 500 signatures. Zeggil was quick to pledge his support.

The estimated price tag for the redesigned bleachers is $123,200, well above the $10,000 originally budgeted. Council has agreed to redirect the initial budget amount to the project, with the remaining balance of approximately $115,000 to be funded through community fundraising by volunteers and stakeholders.

Zeggil has suggested that a plaque be erected to recognize the support of donors.