ABOYNE – Budget cuts to the Wellington Place pavilion project could delay its construction indefinitely.
According to a new report being presented at the Information, Heritage and Seniors committee this week, staff have recommended pausing the construction of the outdoor pavilion at Wellington Place until sufficient funds exist as the new budget-friendly design rendering will not meet several of the project's original objectives.
This follows county council's surprise decision to revisit the project's proposed design in favour of something that fits the previously established budget provision of $775.000.
The new affordable design would reduce the parking space and the pavilion building from 3,000 square feet to 1,000, not to mention it would only function in fair weather and wouldn't be able to accommodate a large entertainment or food/drink preparation space.
It also does not meet the Indigenous Advisory Committee's input, as the size, landscaping and water feature have been reduced or removed.
Long and rectangular, the report said the new design is similar in style to the nearby childcare building, would have hydro and power receptacles and hold sufficient programming space for up to 25 students.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
