210915 Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee MinutesPage 1 of 4
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Memorial Park Revitalization Committee
September 15, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Hybrid
MINUTES
Present:
Mel Getty, Mike Cerna, Jane Ann McLean, Joan Weston, Rosemary Dean, Kim Sage
Absent with Regrets:
Ken Patterson, Terry Smith, Scott Vitias
Also Present:
Christopher Baird, Chris Rosehart, Margaret Puhr
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Joan Weston
Seconded by: Mike Cerna
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Memorial Park Revitalization Committee
meeting of September 15, 2021, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
Page 2 of 4
5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Staff update - Lots of things happening in the department, some of the major
accomplishments this spring and summer were: old hydro poles around the track
at Sam Lamb field were removed by THI which visually improved the area; staff
planted about 40 trees in park this season, many around Sam Lamb field;
Courtland Gardens donated 20 trees for their 20th anniversary, these were
planted along McLaughlin trail, Mayor participated; the planting will continue;
Fairboard did work on the horse barn; directional signage project is ongoing with
partnership of the Economic Development department, should be finished in
early next year; another donation was by Empire Sealing and Paving who
donated pathway paving near tennis court; the Rotary Club may donate to more
paved pathways in that area of the park; the parking lot on East side of
community centre was expanded;
5.2. ICIP Grant for aquatic improvements – overview - This was awarded in May and
announced in July, in the amount of $5M. The project will include replacing tile
around the pool, barrier free washrooms added, mechanical system filtration
replacement, energy efficiency, new lighting, current turbines will provide heat,
roof rehabilitation, new pool admin offices, ramp and storage areas, zero entry to
pool, some work to the Zamboni area as well as new splash pad next to the
water park. This project was separated into two, splash pad first over winter and
spring with plan that it can be opened in spring 2022, followed by work on the
indoor pool. Maintenance of the splash pad has been built into planning and
budgeting. Care was taken to provide swimming facility for lessons and
programming for as much of the time as possible. Staff are working with
architectural consultants A+Link on schedule which will allow to keep staff in
their roles during the construction and the programs running. There is an
administrative team made up of staff working with the architects on design and
specs for this project. Indoor pool will be closed for approximately 8 months
starting late spring with final facility ready for May/June of 2023 ribbon cutting.
The need for sauna/gym was brought up – the need for the sauna is
questionable due to usage, but Council will make final decision on whether it will
Page 3 of 4
be included in the project scope. Health club has been difficult to manage during
the pandemic, at this time is not slated for any changes within this plan/grant.
Councillor Rosehart suggested it could be repurposed for alternative staff offices
or as additional change rooms for hockey or swim teams. For future
consideration of Council and Committee.
5.3. Dog Park Committee proposal for expansion - Mel was contacted by Wayne
Beard, Chair of the Dog Park Committee and they met at the dog park. The DP
committee would like to expand the dog park were asked to contact Memorial
Park committee as this committee’s mandate covers Memorial Park
development. The DP is asking to extend the small dog end by 20 meters NW
toward the Kiwanis diamond. Mel indicated that Memorial Park committee
wouldn’t be making any recommendations until at least spring. All associated
costs for expanded fencing and site preparation should be included in a priority
list and subject to annual funding. Mel will be requesting a formal delegation or
request in form of resolution. Margaret will distribute the proposed expansion
map. There was discussion about concerns regarding kennel cough - we are
having signs made about the potential risk and will be posted at the dog park.
Some other request heard from public were that users would like more tables,
more mulch, more trees – these should be directed to the Dog Park committee
who can then respond and prioritize with staff . There is a bulletin board with
committee member information at the dog park. Staff will include annual funding
in the budget for improvements for the dog park.
5.4. Master Plan report card – next steps - Mel stated that this committee has many
things going on and there were many things accomplished, two main items that
haven’t been addressed are flowers/flowerbeds and Fairboard requests.
Suggested that the next projects for the committee focus on these areas. Chris
put forward that a list be made of accomplishments and inventory to get a better
idea of what has been done and what the next bigger priorities for next 5-10
years be determined and be put in the budget for council consideration. The
update can be done in-house by staff with assistance of engineering department
and presented to the committee over the winter. Chair feels that a status report
Page 4 of 4
should be prepared and presented to Council with recommendations for future
planning and budgeting, as well as to inform the community of all the work and
accomplishments.
Additional work on the Bandshell was brought up - Chris would like to contact
the company who built the Bandshell and find out how some walls can be
installed and the cost. Currently there some funds in the carry forward budget,
which may not be sufficient. It was discussed that right now the shell looks
unappealing and half -finished, particularly the ramp still gravel. Some site
improvements could be made this fall or next spring using remaining funds in the
Memorial Park project lines.
Additional items in 2021 budget were discussed: 25,000 for parking – that was
completed, playground near tennis courts was also completed with consultation
to the residents for colour choice, dog park was expanded with irrigation and
water taps, mulch, trees and some concrete work still to be done, signage will
carry over, some parking lot money will hopefully be redirected to sports fields
which will carry forward for dugout improvements next year.
6. Next Meeting
November 17th at 5:30 p.m.
7. Adjournment
Resolution #2
Moved by: Jane Ann McLean
Seconded by: Rosemary Dean
THAT the September 15, 2021 Memorial Park Revitalization Committee meeting be
adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Carried