Mayor Dave Augustyn’s Column for the week of 26 September 2016.
During our special strategic planning session on September 16, Council verified our number one priority as completing the Pelham Community Centre on time and on budget. So, let me give you an update of progress to date.
Oversight Committee:
In August, Council appointed Gordon Morasco, Bill Gibson, Councillor Gary Accursi and CAO Darren Ottaway to the Centre’s Oversight Committee. During their first meeting (on September 7), the Committee elected Bill Gibson Chair, confirmed their Terms of Reference, and received a project overview and status update from Ball Construction. The Committee will meet monthly and provide regular financial and construction updates.
Financial Progress:
As promised, the Town hired a temporary analysist to oversee all financial aspects of the Centre. Council insisted on this to ensure transparent tracking of Community Centre expenses and project revenues – including development charges, sale of surplus lands, and the debenture. This arrangement will also ensure regular Staff carry on seamlessly with the Town’s normal operations.
Also, Infrastructure Ontario approved the Community Centre loan and construction financing.
Site Works Progressing:
Council unanimously approved the Site Plan for the Community Centre last Monday.
As depicted in the Spring, the Town will locate the Centre at the corner of two new streets – Wellspring Way (with a traffic signal on Regional Road 20 at Pelham Petroleum) and Shaw Avenue (linked with Rice Road near the entrance of Duffin Appleworks). The Centre will stand adjacent to a public square and future transit stop and within walking distance to new stores and restaurants, the new medical centre and various types of residential housing.
Last week, Ball Construction presented the blueprints and other Community Centre drawings as they applied for the Building Permit. While Staff review the application, Beam Construction continues with “earthworks” and will be starting “site servicing” – installing water, waste water, storm water, and electrical services – over coming weeks. While these significant works have already begun, we will host the ceremonial groundbreaking later in October.
Ball Construction and Staff will provide scheduling and financial updates at Council’s next and subsequent meetings.
Surplus Lands:
Council’s strategic priorities also includes “Begin selling surplus land at maximum dollar value and best use.” Over the summer, Staff prepared and Council reviewed a conceptual plan for the surplus lands that the Town owns in East Fonthill. Efforts continue on this priority.
I am pleased that we’ve made significant progress thus far on the new Pelham Community Centre, for the benefit of our entire community.
You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca to suggest future topic and view past columns at www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.ca
