Originally written for Port Rowan Good News during Noel Haydt’s 2014–2018 term as Ward 1 Councillor. Published here from the original archived document; spelling and wording have been preserved.
Spring is finally here and I’m sure most of you are just as happy as I am to see some nicer weather. There was some good ice fishing this winter which is always good for many local businesses so I hope everyone had a great winter season.
Concession A Bridge rebuild was up before council again recently. The preferred outcome of the Class Environmental Assessment was to remove the bridge. I have had several meetings and correspondence regarding the bridge and even a petition was sent to council with hundreds of signatures on it, to repair the structure. The rehabilitation was originally approved by council in 2013 but has never moved forward until recently. The price to replace the bridge is $1,700,000 and the reason the cost estimate is so high for this small bridge is because there are also 2 culverts on either side and they are being included in this price. In a council meeting last month I proposed that we rebuild the bridge in stages to spread out the funds required over a few years. I also proposed that we move ahead with the reconstruction engineering so we know what is required and to have it come back in our fall budget meeting. This bridge was build around 1904 and it should have been known that a replacement would be required sooner or later and money should have been set aside for the task.
Saving for replacing and upkeep of capital assets is something that the province is addressing with their mandated capital asset plans. These plans require municipalities to have a master plan to address their infrastructure needs as so many have been neglected across the province. These plans will be very important to have in place to be able to apply for funding opportunities from the province. I’m very happy that our staff have brought forward a solution to address completing these plans. They were done in 2015 and 2016 but have not been integrated into our existing financial system. In reviewing the plans that were done it was very clear that Norfolk County does not have the financial means to address all of the needs in the proposed timeline. While an extension of the time line will help, it also means the cost to do the job goes up due to inflation. New development is a key to being able to pay for these repairs. While Norfolk County had a record year with $142 million dollars in building projects, I’m still receiving complaints from across the county stating that it’s very hard to do business here. In a few recent deputations to council, we have approved a few key developments that had been stalled. The expansion of Scotts Canada and Titan Trailers have been approved by council where staff was recommending postponement. Not only do these expansions help to fund the tax base, they are also great for the local economy by creating jobs and it’s great to see these companies grow.
I would just like to take a few minutes to remind everyone that if the weather stays nice farmers will begin to start tilling their fields. Farmers need to get from one field to another and we need to have some patience with them while they are on the main roads. This is their livelihoods and they either directly or indirectly, put food on our tables. A little bit of patience goes a long way toward everyone’s safety.
The community Hub or multi use complex came back to council for reconsideration recently and is moving ahead to the next stage. I’ve had very little support for this initiative from my constituents and did not vote for it. There is a clause in the motion that if federal and provincial funding is not available then it does not move ahead. I was able to pass some amendments to the motion that I felt was in the best interest of the rate payers of Norfolk. It’s been said that the Rec Center and Talbot Gardens require extensive repairs with a cost estimate of $13 million. After reviewing the capital budget that figure is much lower and also includes some discretionary items. A new zamboni and replacement seating are not considered repairs in my opinion. If we are to decommission those building we need a plan to do so. I amended the motion to include public input for alternate uses for these surplus sites.
I also included that staff create a business plan for the new Hub that shows the operating costs. The costs to operate a $60 million facility must not be over looked. These costs go up every year and need to be included in the operating budget. A similar project to this is happening in Cambridge and the estimated cost is $4.4 million. Norfolk County has not saved up a penny for this project and that’s just wrong in my opinion. If it’s debt funded there’s an added cost that is unknown at this time and with that and operating costs, the property tax bill will climb exponentially.
The last amendment that I made will be the key in controlling the operating costs, protecting the tax payer from massive increases and will increase the service level at the facility, if it does go ahead. I proposed that staff issue an expression of interest to seek an organization who are capable and willing to co-invest in the property, design and construction including options to partner in the maintenance and operations of these facilities.
I’ve researched out numerous projects similar to these and there is usually a group that is partnered with. The YMCA for example, does a large amount of these projects and are able to qualify for more funding than a municipality would. They are also able to deliver a better service because of all of their experience. Staff are recommending that more staff operate and deliver the services. This is the most expensive option as far as I’m concerned. I find that county doesn’t work enough with our service groups and I receive constant complaints about it from all wards.
As a recent example, I had approached the Long Point Lions to ask that they help build a pavilion in the skate park in Port Rowan as they had done in the harbour. Recently, I was informed by the lions that county staff had refused the help because of a potential liability issue. This is nothing but a poor excuse because there are several lions members with extensive building experience, former contractors, cabinet makers and even a retired building inspector for a simple structure. Norfolk County pays a large sum of money for insurance coverage and I’m sure that the Lion’s are also insured. I’m very disappointed with this decision.
Take a few minutes to check out the events schedule in the Good News to see what community events are starting up for spring. Our community groups will be starting up in full force for their fundraising efforts and will be looking for us to support them so that they may continue doing all of the good work in our community. If you find yourself with some free time now is a good time to call up your favourite groups to see if they need any additional volunteers for the summer months. Extra help is always appreciated.