The Raymond Community Centre will be getting upgraded for accessibility needs.
Muskoka Lakes Council approved the contract for renovations to the community center’s washrooms from R & G Construction for $299,950. About $100,000 of the total cost will be covered by a grant from the Federal government.
Director of Public Works Ken Becking presented the contract to council on Wednesday. During the meeting, Becking stated that the original budgeted cost for the Raymond Centre renovations, which council approved last year, was $250,000. According to Becking the increased construction costs and other changes led to an increase of $50,000 above original estimates.
Councillor Allen Edwards spoke in support of the renovations due to his stated belief in the services the community centre provides. These include use as a warming centre and providing meals. Edwards also stated that the prior council had approved renovating the washrooms and that they would only be able to keep the grant if the project went forward. While not stating that they would lose the grant, Becking did acknowledge that not using it for the Raymond renovations would put the grant at risk.
“Failure to proceed with the award of the tender at this time would put in jeopardy that $100,000,” Becking said.
But not all councillors were openly in support of the proposal. Councillor Ruth-Ellen Nishikawa stated that she was concerned with the overall price and wanted further discussion about municipal plans. Councillor Glenn Zavitz questioned if the renovations were required to make the facility useable, or if they were simply expanding and improving the washrooms.
Becking responded that part of the large price is due to the need to make the washrooms accessible according to provincial regulations. This need is also a requirement to receive the federal grant. Becking added that in order for the township to receive the grant work must be completed by June of 2023.
Councillor Susan Mazan spoke in favour of the renovations stating that the proposal has been discussed at length by the previous council and is needed.
“Our previous council had agreed to this, despite the fact that seems like a large sum of money was a good investment into one of our community centers that has historically not had a lot of time and attention,” Mazan said.
Councillor Mazan also added that the municipality would need to continue factoring in accessibility needs and requirements when looking at existing infrastructure.
After discussion council awarded the contract to R & G Construction by a vote of nine to one. Zavitz was the sole opposition vote.
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