A proposed park pavilion might be back on the table in Morinville due to a grant from the federal government.
Morinville town councillors learned March 22 that they might get a second shot at building a pavilion next to the town’s splash park with the help of a $750,000 grant.
Council approved construction of a park pavilion in September 2020 using $285,000 from the province’s Municipal Stimulus Program. Pitched as a “destination building,” this house-like structure was to include a viewing area, washrooms, and a maintenance garage, and was to act as a community focal point along with the splash park and a new outdoor rink.
In 2021, the pavilion’s price tag more than tripled to roughly $998,400 due to numerous design flaws and geotechnical problems at the site. Council cancelled the pavilion and shunted its funds toward other projects.
Town infrastructure services manager Jordan Betteridge told council March 22 that the town had applied for a $750,000 grant from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, and is confident the grant will soon be approved. While the grant says any approved projects must be completed by March 31, 2023, the town had asked for an extension to allow for more construction time.
Betteridge said the pavilion would be fully funded should the town receive this grant, although it would have to be redesigned to fit the size of the grant. The pavilion would carry some $30,000 in annual operating costs, a report to council showed.
Coun. Stephen Dafoe expressed skepticism at this proposal, given how so many town projects have run over budget in recent years.
In an interview, Mayor Simon Boersma said he was concerned about potential geotechnical issues at the pavilion site. He emphasized that council has yet to approve this project, and will debate its merits during its upcoming capital plan discussion.
Council will consider adding the pavilion to its 2022-2027 capital plan April 12.
