Council approves funding request

Cramahe Council approved a request for funding from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RinC), but not without some questions.

Earlier this month the governments of Ontario and Canada released the information about new grant money for recreation.

Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien asked council to allow him to request money for three projects estimated to cost $165,000.

Revitalization of the Earl St. tennis courts topped his list.

The $50,000 project would bring the courts to an acceptable standard and encourage accredited tennis programs, noted the director on his written report. In the opinion of the director the courts are now unusable for tennis.

The director would also like to see $45,000 spent on the basketball courts on Victoria St. The hoped-for work would be lined and allow the area to be used for basketball and road hockey.

If all his requests are approved by RinC the Durham St. skateboard park will be transformed into a children's playground to meet the needs of the kids in east Colborne. Cost of that is an estimated $70,000.

If all three projects are approved and the costs are accurate, then Cramahe will be on the hook for $55,000.

Mayor Marc Coombs asked Mr. O'Brien of the application was an "all-or-nothing" deal.

The director replied that the RinC evaluators could grant one or all of the projects and asked that the municipality priorize their requests. If approved, the projects should be done this year.

Deputy Mayor Jim Williams was quick to support the grant application, citing vandalism at Rotary Centennial Park. The deputy mayor expressed the hope that upgraded facilities would change the focus of some young people in the community so that they become involved in "positive recreational activities".

Councillor Ed Van Egmond had reservations and when it came time to vote, was the sole dissenting member.

He had concerns about embarking on projects which have not been discussed or planned. "We're putting the cart before the horse." he added.

To do it without planning just because it's free doesn't make sense to the councillor.

Mayor Coombs offered that somme of the ideas had been mentioned in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Councillor Pat Westrope was willing to throw her support behind the application of it could be tied into the township's Strategic Plan and the Parks and Rec Master Plan.