COBDEN — The “crazy season” for the building department for Whitewater Region has now begun, said Chief Building Official Doug Schultz.
Mr. Schultz noted in his report at the April council meeting that the Beachburg Arena and Cobden Tourist Booth projects are underway. Last month, four building permits were issued with a construction value of $750,000.
Mayor Hal Johnson said he went on a tour with Mr. Schultz and he was impressed with his professionalism.
“The projects (tourist booth and arena) are coming along well,” the mayor said. “I think the information centre at the park is going to be a jewel in the system. When it’s finished it should be nice.”
Councillor Dave Mackay noted that the drainage on the Kerr Line near Keith Black’s farm appears to have a problem. The catch basins were put in under the Provincial Drainage Act and one of the culverts is full of silt should be pumped out, he said.
Mr. Schultz said he and public works manager Bill Misener have looked at the drains twice now and agree maintenance is required. The sucker truck used to come about once every year or so and clean out the culverts and drains, he said.
“But, right now, the structures themselves may be compromised and we need to get a plan of attack on how to repair them,” Mr. Schultz said.
Under the tile drainage act, if someone comes and requests the township put in new structures, that will be done, however, no one has requested that, he answered in response to Coun. Mackay’s question of new structures being put in.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said maintenance costs should be reimbursed by those who use it. She added the municipality should be maintaining the drains without requests from the property owners. The files will advise which property owners are billed the percentage of the costs, she explained.
Mr. Schultz noted work on these drains will be put on the schedule.
