Stephen Vance, Staff
Some old money will be bringing new improvements to two local parks. At their August 8 meeting, Meaford council approved a plan to use funds from two long-established reserve funds to make improvements to McCarroll Park, located on Bayfield Street across from the Meaford Museum, and also to Leith Beach.
According a staff report presented to council, $9,052.13 in funding from the former Sydenham Parkland Dedication Fund will be used towards the improvement and redevelopment of the Leith Beach area.
Prior to amalgamation, the three former townships each collected parkland dedication funds for planning applications, however at the time of amalgamation, Sydenham Township had funds that had not been spent, and those funds have sat in a GIC trust account since 2001.
“In May 2016 staff were advised by TD Bank that this product was being discontinued and the money was cashed out into the general municipal operating account. Since the GIC Trust was wrapped up, staff proceeded to investigate if there were relevant projects located within the former Sydenham boundaries that could use these funds versus reinvesting in a different type of trust account,” advised the report to council.
The funding for a beautification project at McCarroll Park comes from a $5,000 contribution made in 1983 by the McCarroll family for future care and upkeep of the park named after the family. That fund now amounts to $8,917.71.
“Based on recent conversations with the remaining McCarroll family, there is a desire to recognize that the agreement has served its purpose and that any remaining funds be utilized for park improvements,” noted Meaford Treasurer, Darcy Chapman in his report to council.
The plan approved by council will see the McCarroll Park funds used to complete a beautification project at the park that will include new benches, flower bed enhancements, and possibly the addition of a gazebo or sitting area. The Sydenham Parkland funds will be used to complete a beautification and rejuvination project at Leith Beach, which the report says will include “new benches, new picnic tables, beach rehabilitation, and potential rehabilitation of the boat launch.”
Chapman told council that both enhancement projects will be completed before the end of October of this year.
