Contract awarded for Sunnidale Hall renovation

by Bonnie MacPherson

Work on accessibility improvements to the Sunnidale Corners Community Centre is expected to begin as early as April 3. At its March 13 meeting, Clearview Council voted to award a contract to Domm Construction Limited. The Domm bid which came in at $890,800 was the lowest of four bids with other proposals ranging up to $1,277,000. The contract to be awarded will call for substantial performance of work on or before August 31, 2023 with the project ready for takeover by September 15.

The original estimate for the project to make the hall compliant with the

Access for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A) presented to council in 2022 was approximately $675,000. Terry Vachon, Director of Parks and Recreation noted that the township had anticipated a 13.3 per cent increase in costs based on the Building Construction Price Index, but even after that allowance the Domm bid is roughly $126,000 higher.

Council also approved an additional $54,000 for project management fees by R.J. Burnside Consultants and Allan Avis Architects.

During the public participation portion of the meeting, resident Bob Charlton urged council to put the brakes on improvements to the small halls until updated cost estimates are obtained and the public is given a chance to weigh in. Charlton noted that the original estimate for improvements to all six halls was $5,675,000. If the Sunnidale bid is any indication, the probable cost will be over $7,800,000 even without adjusting for further inflation with work to be completed over the next three years. Once borrowing costs are factored in, it is likely that the real cost will balloon to over $10,300,000 - an amount 82% higher that the number given preliminary approval by the previous council.

Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren noted that every hall is important to the local community and that while the A.O.D.A. improvements are a lot of money, compliance is not optional and the 2025 deadline is only three years away.

Mayor Doug Measures told council that the Small Halls are not profit making machines, but definitely enrich the lives of residents.

Vachon says a recommendation for work at the Avening Community Centre should be before council at the March 27 meeting and that staff will be reporting on the next two halls slated for renovation in May or June.

Ongoing

• VON SMART free fitness classes. Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall, Creemore. For community members looking to improve strength, balance and mobility. Ages 55+. Call for more information or to register: 705-355-2200.

• The Station Café is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Station on the Green, 10 Caroline St. E., Creemore. $2 fee for a bottomless cup of coffee or tea. Everyone welcome.

• St. Luke's Community Food Bank is accepting donations of soup and crackers for the month of March. Donations can be dropped off at Station on the Green during Station Café hours on Tuesday mornings (see above).

• Join Sass for yoga and wellness at the Creemore Sanctuary. Email, call or visit website for details. www.thecreemoresanctuary.com, thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com, 705 8887729.

Friday, March 17

• Stayner Legion St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music by The Gulley Family Band. Irish stew and a bun for only $5.

Saturday, March 18

• The Creemore Tennis Club AGM will be held at the Station on the Green at 1:30 p.m. All are invited. There will be information at the meeting on this year’s lesson programs, coaching, tournaments and election of new board.

• Collingwood Holistic Healing Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Georgian Bay Hotel. Free admission. www.holistichealingfair.com.

Sunday, March 19

• Creemore Minor Baseball House League registration closes March 19. Actively seeking players for 8U and 11U. Go to www. creemoreminorbaseball.com to register for the 2023 season. Let's play ball!

• Church of the Good Shepherd Stayner invites you to a morning prayer gospel service and music with "All in Accord". 10:30 a.m. For more information contact goodshepherdstayner@ rogers.com.

Tuesday, March 21

• Join Naturalli Creative at Tierra Hermosa Local Market at 6 p.m. for a Crystal Catchers workshop. Find out more at www.tierra-hermosa. ca or call 416-819-9375.

Wednesday, March 22

• Double Toonie Lunch returns to St. Luke's Anglican Church. The popular lunch event will have the same monthly format, held the last Wednesday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will be by donation to the food bank.

Fridays starting March 24

• Six lectures on China given by university professors. In person at New Life Church, Collingwood or in your home by video. $60+HST. Fridays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting March 24, ending May 5 (no lecture on Good Friday). Please visit our website at www.gtlli.ca for more details.

Saturday, March 25

• The skaters of the Creemore Skating Club are pleased to present the Carnival Ice Show at 4 p.m. at the Creemore Arena titled “Hot and Cold”. The ice show features the skaters from the Creemore Skating Club (from three years of age and older). Admission prices at the door. Adults $8, Seniors $5 and Students $2.

• Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market Baking Contest. Four categories: Cookies, bars/squares, sugar-free cookies/bars, maple syrup or maple sugar as an ingredient. Entries in multiple categories welcome. Guidelines: Entries must be delivered in disposable packaging to the Station on the Green between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and include a minimum of 50 bite-sized cookies or pre-cut bars/ squares for sampling by the public, and one large cookie or square for display purposes and judging. Include ingredient list. Pre-register by emailing Karen.scully@hotmail.com or calling 416-4075132 after 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 26

• Gospel Services at Stayner Community Centre, 269 Regina St. March 26, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays March 22, 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The purpose of these services is to better acquaint ourselves with the simple truths that were lived and taught by Jesus. There will be no request for participation or contribution. All welcome. Contact: larry.oregan@gmail.com, 613-697-0871. Gerald Lonsway, Wayne McKee, Larry O’Regan.

Monday, March 27

• Stayner Garden Club meets at Centennial United Church starting at 7 p.m. Speaker at 7:30 p.m. Clearview Nurseries staff will discuss pruning and tools. Bring your mug.

Friday, March 31

• Clearview 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament. Divisions U9 to U16. Over $5,000 in prizes and trophies for all divisions. Download the Team Registration at www.discoverclearview.ca/3on3. Volunteers wanted. email amurray@clearview.ca

Saturday, April 1

• The Know-it-all-Ball at the Duntroon Hall is back bigger and better than ever before. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. questions commence at 7:30 p.m. Teams/tables of up to eight maximum. No team, no problem! Individuals and smaller groups welcome - volunteers will find a seat for you. Bring your own snacks. Reserve your table or seat by emailing theduntroonhall@gmail.com. $10/ person. Hosted by The Duntroon Hall Board since 2004. 100 per cent of proceeds fund the operation and future improvements to The Duntroon Hall.

Saturday, April 29

• An invitation is extended to all veterans to celebrate your service. A special dinner will be served at the Creemore Legion. Tickets are free to veterans and their escort. Contact Bev at 705428-2252 or email bacoutts@rogers.com. Free transportation available for mobility challenged individuals. Social time from 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Please respond by April 8.