Saugeen Shores Committee of the Whole approved design and finance plans for the construction of Lamont Sports Park’s Phase 2 in Port Elgin.
A release from the Town says, members also voted to provide additional funding for the major recreational project.
The Committee has approved the following elements for Phase 2:
Two ball diamonds (one hardball and one softball)
Two washroom units (one at Phase 1 location, one at Phase 2)
Accessible playground
Park signage and infrastructure
Associated costs such as site preparation, grading, irrigation, water services, paving, electrical, landscaping etc.
The release says the Town projects the total construction cost will be $4,208,777.
Before the Phase 2 fundraising campaign began, the Town committed $1.25 million to match the campaign’s goal of $1 million. Since then, the fundraising committee raised $1,733,809 through local donations.
The Town also received $250,000 from Kraft Heinz Project Play and $45,000 from Regional Tourism Organization 7, a provincial non-profit.
On Monday night, the Committee approved funding of $2,170,968 from the Town’s Legacy Reserve Fund to complete the funding for Phase 2
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says in a statement, “Council created the Legacy Fund to pay for the Lamont Sports Park and a new pool,” adding, “Because that plan is working, we can build these facilities without raising property taxes.”
The Town says it will send out a Request for Pre-Qualification to general contractors this week. They say those chosen for pre-qualification will receive construction tenders in mid-February. Council would then receive a staff recommendation in April to award the contract to the successful bidder.
Council is set to vote on the plan on January 9th.