WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The Villages and Hamlets of the Township of Whitewater Region are getting new benches and the public will be asked for their input. The Development and Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Charlene Jackson, received a report for information purposes last night, ahead of public consultation.
“You’ll recall … where we had to move some benches due to construction,” said Robert Tremblay, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “Council is rectifying this by looking at benches.” As part of the 2020 Budget deliberations, Council allocated $30 thousand for streetscaping features across the Region. This includes benches and garbage and recycling receptacles for the main streets in the Villages and Hamlets, as well as other municipal facilities like beaches.
Staff reached out to several companies in order to obtain design options and costing. The options provided were reviewed and the preparation of renderings for two bench styles was completed. “The styles are slightly different,” explained Mr. Tremblay. The Regency has a more modern look with straight lines and the Vintage has a more traditional look with rounded edges. Both benches are constructed from steel which will allow for durability and easy maintenance, such as powder coating and painting. “We would be looking at a simple, black bench that can be affixed to the sidewalk and be secure.”
The cost for the benches ranges between $1400 and $1600 and the garbage and recycling receptacles are approximately $1000 each. Based on these costs, the Township anticipates purchasing approximately 14 benches and four receptacles. “We are going with this model because we think they will last 20 years,” stated Mr. Tremblay.
“The previous benches had dedications on them,” said Councillor Neil Nicholson. He then asked about dedications on the new benches. “The unfortunate part about the dedications are those plaques are non-existent … the wood rotted out and was replaced and those plaques were never collated or noted,” said Mr. Tremblay. “Our commemorative naming policy does not speak about commemorative tress or commemorative benches, we would look at that … we need to look at [the policy] before accepting commemorative benches moving forward.”
Moved by Councillor Dave Mackay and seconded by Councillor Neil Nicholson, the motion to present the benches for public comment was carried unanimously. The Township staff will now prepare an online survey and make it public. They will also be arranging meetings with local businesses. The survey will be made available on the Township website for three weeks and will be announced as a part of their weekly block ad.
Following the results of the public consultation, staff will examine the garbage and recycling receptacles as well as streetlight poles options. They will choose a design most practical and fitting with the selected bench. A final report will be brought forward for Council’s consideration, following a public consultation and a selection of the receptacles and streetlight poles.
It is anticipated the final report will be presented at the regular meeting of Council on April 15. Mr. Tremblay stated this is to ensure sufficient time for manufacturing and shipping, which is estimated to be between eight to 10 weeks. This will position the Township to install the benches in late spring or early summer.
