Scott MacKinnon, Lake of Bays Superintendent of Parks & Facilities, was before Lake of Bays Council at its June 4 meeting and provided an update on three capital projects in the municipality.
In his report to council, MacKinnon noted that Operation Facelift started two years ago when Mayor Terry Glover and council challenged the community to match funds set aside to give the Lake of Bays Community Centre in Baysville a redo.
Baysville Community Centre
Dubbed Operation Facelift, work on enhancing the hall in Baysville began about two years ago when Mayor Terry Glover challenged community members to match funds set aside by the municipality to give the tired Lake of Bays Community Centre in Baysville a redo.
The flooring, ceiling is being redone, the hall will be painted as well as the washrooms renovated. Councillor Jacqueline Godard asked about the extent of the washroom renovations. “It’s difficult to change the actual scope of the washrooms due to limited space. So we’re updating the stalls and the floors and the counter tops, etc. but it’s really – you can’t add more space or take anything away. We still have a requirement to have the same number of facilities based on the number of people we have in the building,” said MacKinnon.
MacKinnon said the action would be taking place this summer, hall bookings are slower with some activities being moved around. He said he is hopeful that the work would not run much into September.
“Staff is working hard to get all contractors booked in for July and August renovations. The auditorium will be closed to bookings to allow for the ceiling to be removed, the floor to be stripped and retiled, the bathrooms to be renovated, and the walls to be painted.,” stated MacKinnon, adding that a mural would also form part of the project at a later date.
Baysville splash pad and playground
MacKinnon noted that municipal staff had applied for an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant to help install a splash pad and replace the existing playground. “Staff have three quotes and we are reviewing the quotes while we wait for the OTF to announce the grant funding in mid-June and then we are off and running,” stated MacKinnon.
Prompted by a question from Councillor Bob Lacroix, McKinnon said the project would move forward with or without the grant, but without the grant more economical options would have to be sought, like a different and more economical surface around the playground instead of the rubberized type hoped for including perhaps taking out a swing set. “We can’t accept or review anything until Trillium makes a decision,” he said, adding that a decision is expected sometime this month and staff hope to break ground in August on the playground and splash pad.
“We have already started doing things like designing the water treatment system…to provide water to the splash pad,” said MacKinnon.
Glover asked about the water used for the splash pad, MacKinnon indicated it would be treated according to specifications provided by public health. He said the water will “come from the river and be returned to the river through a system that will dechlorinate it and return it back to temperature.”
He said two municipal staff members have been trained to operate the splash pad. Councillor Nancy Tapley asked when council would be able to see the concerept drawing for the playground and splash pad. MacKinnon said concept drawings would be made available once a determination is made regarding the funds available. If grant money does not come through, the plan will change possible from a 1,500 square foot splash pad to 1,000 square feet. “It all depends on how much money we want to spend,” said McKinnon.
Dwight Library expansion
MacKinnon said staff in consultation with the Library Building Committee have put together a Request For Proposal (RFP).
“Staff are hoping to have the proposal reviewed by the Library Building Committee and the Dwight Lion’s Club by early June, then onto the Chief Administrative Officer right after. With the expansion of the library there is a requirement to increase our washroom facilities to accommodate the extra square footage in the addition. This is a prime opportunity to include an option in the RFP for a revamp of the washroom, kitchen, and storage space at the Dwight Community Centre. The RFP will be open for 6 to 8 weeks and will close sometime in September,” he explained in his report. “This allows everyone bidding on the project to investigate, develop a plan, create a design and prepare drawings.”
Tapley wanted to know whether council will get concept drawing for the the Dwight Library expansion. “We’re hoping that contractors will come forward with conceptual drawings and say, ‘this is what it will look like if we get the contract, and this will be the cost.’”
MacKinnon said the RFP results would be assessed with the building committee of the library and staff will return to council with a recommendation.
Glover asked Councillor George Anderson, who sits on the library board, whether fundraising for the upgrades continues. Andrson said it is his understanding the fundraising has started again. He said it was put on hold for a while because there was uncertainty as to whether the municipality was supporting the project. “And now that we’re on-board and fully supporting with our reserve the fundraising has begun again and will continue through summer.”
Councillor Rick Brooks reminded council that the building belongs to the Township and the library is a tenant in the building. “It’s not just a library, this is a community hub,” he added.
Lacroix said changes to the RFP once received will cost more “so you have to be very aware of what you’re changing.” Glover responded, “I have every confidence in our staff to build the perfect library with the funds available on time and on budget.” Lacroix said, “I was thinking more of council.” Glover responded, “I’m with you, we shouldn’t be designing the library.”
Glover asked staff to return with an update as soon as one is available. “I don’t want it sitting still… cause time’s a ticking.”
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Thinking the money could be used for something else especially with the water right there
As mention by glover the township owns the library not the libration who seems to have control over the entire community centre.time to put our heads together not forget the money and time the Dwight Lions put in to the building of this community centre.i believe the dwight lions should also have some input into development.