Stayner downtown plan proceeding

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In an update to council, Clearview staff reported the Stayner Downtown Open Space Improvement Plan is proceeding in 2021.
Terry Vachon, general manager of parks, culture and recreation, reported to council March 22 that the tender process has been initiated for the first phase of the plan relating to the Centennial Park project, which includes trailhead and parkland development, reducing barriers and increasing accessibility as well as enhancing access to the trails, cycling and walking infrastructure for residents and visitors.
“The Parks, Culture and Recreation department and the Public Works department have been cooperating on the Stayner Downtown Open Spaces [Improvement Plan] to ensure that there are improvements to the intersections, parking spaces, trails and open spaces. Furthermore, the pathways will be illuminated and there will be gateway signage to welcome residents and visitors into the downtown shopping district,” states the report.
The cost estimate for this phase of the plan is just over $800,000. Staff is waiting to see if an application for $250,000 from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiatives grant program will be successful and another $250,000 of gas tax money is earmarked for the project. The balance will come from reserves.
Council approved the final Masterplan Design Concept from Stefan Bolliger Associates on Nov. 19, 2018, after it was presented to the public that May. At that time, Bolliger presented three concepts all hinging on the development and beautification of a block of land south of Highway 26, around Perry, Gideon and Huron streets. The ideas included developing Station Park and the area across from the Clearview Township Administrative Centre to include a splash pad that could double as a skating rink in the winter, a fountain, stage, market square and picnic pavilion. There would be a pedestrian gateway to the main street and an overall push for beautification in the downtown.
The three phases of the plan were scheduled to be included in budget deliberations in 2019-2020.
Some of the subject lands were purchased to be used for a new Stayner library branch but plans changed when council approved the addition to the arena. The township purchased property at 220 Huron St. in 2013 and the Perry/Gideon Street property across from town hall, in 2014, to further facilitate the project.
In 2018, the total cost of the plan was estimated at $4.6 million.
Vachon reported that staff is now meeting stakeholders to finalize access agreements and that the first phase construction tender should go out in 2021.

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