Coulter Parkette is considered a community hub with events such as the weekly Farmers' Market, the Easter Petting Zoo and the Port Elgin BIA's Farm to Table dinner

Hub Staff

A $218,155 contract for the Coulter Parkette rejuvenation project has been awarded to CSL Group Ltd., and approved by Saugeen Shores Council during the July 24 Committee of Whole.

The project was included in the 2017 budget for $145,000; amendments to the scope of the project have since been made to include a pavilion and water feature which was quoted for $17,655 to be initially funded through the Parks Reserve, and subsequently paid back by the BIA to an upset limit of $25,000.00 over a 5-year period.

The project is set to begin September 5 and will close Green Street between Goderich and Waterloo streets until an approximate date of November 15; with a one week break to allow the adjacent building owner to complete foundation work on the building located on the north side of the Parkette.

CSL Group Ltd. has provided provisions in the amount of $52,500 for the BIA preferred enhancements. In a report to Council, Director of Community Services Jayne Jagelewski said, “Staff does not anticipate that the costs will escalate to that amount and will seek alternative methods in keeping costs minimal for the additional features.” Jagelewski also suggested a phased in approach for the additions.

Councillor Mike Myatt supported the plan. “Coulter Parkette is being transformed into something that’s going to be pretty special,” he said, while offering the suggestion to lower the price by working with Saugeen District Secondary School construction teacher Bud Haplin.

Jagelewski said that it was an option to speak with Halpin but that his we know is “a full agenda,” and insisted it would be pure speculation as to whether or not the project would fit into his schedule.

Vice-Deputy Mayor Diane Huber showed concern that “almost every tender is coming in over budget,” with the Mayor suggesting that she be provided with financial reports on the Reserves.

Councillor Neil Menage requested that the plaque for former Town CAO Bill Coulter be improved along with the Parkette upgrades, as well as improved electronics that would be conducive for speaking engagements and including better signage to identify public washrooms.

In addition to the added water feature and pavilion, the Coulter Parkette project includes: removal and reconstruction of the existing streetscape, removal of the existing interlocking stone to be replaced with poured concrete, electrical, irrigation and landscaping work; construction of a new 1.5m wide concrete sidewalk.