Georgina
September 03, 2008 08:06 PM
Council has approved the construction of a new maintenance facility as well as extensive renovations to the former York Regional Police station at a total cost of $950,000.
Purchasing manager Brian Jordan told council in a report the town’s maintenance division has grown steadily since it was first established in 2000 and now has four employees.
“These employees have saved the town substantial costs over the years by completing repairs and renovations in an efficient and timely manner ensuring the town services and facilities remain seemlessly functional,” he said.
The division, which had used the lower level of the former police station, now needs its own work area, he said.
The new 40-foot by 70-foot building will be located on the civic centre grounds directly behind the animal shelter.
The former police station will be the new headquarters for the town’s leisure services department which is moving because of space constraints at the civic centre.
“The need for approval for both these projects is justified as the growth of the town forces us to provide the needed accommodation,” chief administrative officer Stan Armstrong said in his report, adding the renovations will include new energy components that will cut future consumption costs.
Debentures for the total amount will be issued.
New all-way stop for Keswick
All-way stop signs are going to be installed at the intersection of The Queensway South and Simcoe Avenue in Keswick.
Council had asked for a report last June on the proposal.
The approval comes despite the recommendation of engineering director Bob Magloughlen who said in his report the intersection does not meet the criteria for all-way stops, noting there is another all-way stop just 200 metres to the north at the Church Street intersection. “Pedestrians currently have the right-of-way to cross Simcoe Street and there is a negligible number of pedestrians crossing The Queensway,” he said, adding there are seldom any traffic delays from Simcoe Street.
Councillor Ross Jamieson said the business community favours the stop signs and said there is considerable pedestrian traffic through the intersection, many of them seniors and school children.