WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) — The accessibility ramp at the Westmeath Arena is going to get a repair, with hopes it will last at least two years.
The ramp has been deteriorating and the Westmeath District Recreation Association has been trying to obtain grants to get it repaired, said Robert Tremblay, chief administrative officer for the Township of Whitewater Region.
Recently, chunks of the ramp have fallen out, leaving gaping holes, forcing its closure.
The recreation department has also been helping them plan the replacement lately, under the leadership role of the WDRA, he said.
The WDRA has applied for a Trillium Grant and accessibility funds to help out financially with the replacement, CAO Tremblay said at last night’s council meeting.
“Unfortunately, while seeking for funding, the facility gave out,” he said.
The ramp needs repairs now and it’s expected to cost upwards of $12,000, he said. Of that, $7,500 had been budgeted for engineer drawings in this year’s budget, he added.
The engineers, JP2G, created drawings for a temporary fix, which will hopefully last at least two years, CAO Tremblay added.
The total project to replace the ramp is more than $200,000, he said.
“The facility is very well used” and there is a very active seniors group, he said. “We’re hoping the work can go ahead.”
He said the ramp is used for multiple purposes, not just for people, but to bring things into the upper hall for various events, including the upcoming election.
The WDRA will project manage the repairs.
The funds will come from the accessibility reserve fund, CAO Tremblay said.
He stressed the Kraftville funds to be used at the Cobden arena will not be used.
Councillor Dave Mackay questioned if an elevator could be installed.
CAO Tremblay said the ramp is the most viable, with Councillor Chris Olmstead adding there are added expenses with an elevator, such as yearly inspections and maintenance, which can cost thousands of dollars each year.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin said this ramp has needed repairs/replacing for many years.
“What annoys me is we’re going to have to spend this, and if we’re successful in getting a Trillium Grant, we will tear down the ramp,” he said.
However, he knows the ramp has to be repaired, because it is well used and muchly needed.
CAO Tremblay noted the steel structure will remain, it’s just the cement that will be replaced.
The two-year goal for the repairs is with hopes the grants will be received by the second year, said Mayor Hal Johnson.
Coun. Olmstead said there were two presentations earlier in the council meeting of maps of where to go with recreation in the municipality.
“If we don’t, we throw good money after bad,” he said. “Tonight, we’re throwing good money after something that could have been avoided had we done it three years ago if we had a plan.
“Now, it’s going to cost $10,000 to fix,” he said.
Coun. Olmstead was referring to the presentation of the draft recreation master plan and the arenas space needs study for Beachburg and Cobden arenas. A story on both of these presentations will be in next week’s issue of Whitewater News.
