Gravenhurst council has embarked on an upgrade of council chambers, in an effort to update audio-visual equipment and streamline the overall set-up.
In a report received by council, Andrew Stacey, Director of Infrastructure Services recommended the approximately $60,000 balance of the Municipal Modernization Fund grant be authorized to fund CCTV, audio and furniture improvements.
The report acknowledged that “council chambers is one the most publicly visible spaces of Town Hall, and until recently, has seen very little in the way of improvements since moving into the building.”
The existing room will see a revamp of the existing audio-video set-up to improve sound quality “when speakers are presenting, when council is deliberating, and to improve the crispness of images being presented to members of council, staff and the public.”
There will be new TV display units, microphones, speakers and racking system. To facilitate these new upgrades, there will also need to be new cables, electrical conduits and outlets installed to help manage power and provide a safe, wire-free and accessible environment.
Once completed, these improvements will help inform council’s decision-making regarding hybrid meeting models (combined in-person and virtual) and virtual participation.
Town staff recently visited the Town of Ajax, to evaluate a similar system being planned. This lead to a few recent updates to Gravenhurst’s chambers, including improved cameras and an accompanying meeting management system.
A new table for council chambers was already approved in the 2023 capital budget, to replace the over 20-year old existing table that is showing some wear and tear. “Additionally, the configuration of the existing table impairs sightlines between members of council and members of the gallery, particularly during deliberations and when deputations occur,” the report explains. The room divider is also being removed and the room will be painted.
Renovations will be carried out by “in-house contractors of record, qualified local subtrades and successful Request for Proposal bidders, namely: Latour Contracting, Neviss Electrical, Solotech and local furniture maker Rock, Paper, Scissors Co.
Some challenges have already surfaced “as materials often are in short supply and technology is advancing quickly. The need to continually pivot and modify a design element has been ongoing throughout the project.” An end date for the project has yet to be set, but a revised schedule should be settled on soon.
Once finished, the public will be informed and allowed to see the new “innovative and highly effective council space.”
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