Water problems in Markdale are in the spotlight, as a result of the 50 to 100 million dollar rebuild of Chapman’s Ice Cream, and the potential for a new hospital.
The President of the Markdale Chamber of Commerce told Grey Highlands Council it should be supportive of the company and work on correcting long-standing issues in the water system.
Co-Owner and General Manager at Chapman’s — Penny Chapman — says there is not enough water, and there is low pressure because the water tower and pipes running from it are very old and corroded.
Chapman says the low water pressure wasn’t the reason the Ice cream plant was destroyed by fire last year, but it was a contributing factor.
Because of the low water pressure in the town, Chapman’s is building it’s own catch-basin and a small pond with enough water pressure to support the new sprinkler system in the new plant.
The company is spending about 3 million dollars on it’s water storage system.
Penny Chapman says Grey Highlands and before that Markdale council, has know for years about the low water pressure issue.
She warns a proposed new Hospital could be rejected at Queens Park because the town water system wouldn’t be able to support the Hospital sprinkler system.
Grey Highlands has a committee of the whole meeting February 1st where the issue of water will be discussed.
It has been estimated a new tower in Markdale will take up to 3 years to complete at a cost of 1 million dollars.
Penny Chapman says it will take 3 years because government moves slowly, and it will be well over 1 million dollars.