Municipal Waterfront Development Project nearing completion, Town Beach reopening date ‘unknown’
Tim Brody - Editor
The Municipal Waterfront Development Project at Farlinger Park (the Town Beach) is nearing completion with minor deficiencies to be addressed, according to the Municipality of Sioux Lookout.
Municipal CAO Michelle Larose informed that there are still some interior finishes in the buildings that need to be completed.
Completion of the project, according to the Municipality, has continued to be delayed due to a combination of a lack of manpower on site and access to materials.
“It is unknown at this time when the Town Beach will be opened to the public. Once the contract receives substantial completion, the fencing will be removed,” Larose informed.
The Municipality had previously provided The Bulletin with the following overview of the project, “There will be three structures – the Administration building with washrooms, the stage which will double as a covered picnic area and the kayak kiosk, which will house kayaks that can be rented out. There will be two concrete pads with water, sewer and electrical services for food trucks. A small fabric covered shelter for community bbq’s or other events. A traditional play area and a nature play area. An exterior shower, ramps down to the beach and large boardwalk. Large field for events and farmer’s markets. As well, the new docks.”
Speaking to the cost of the project, Larose had previously informed The Bulletin, “The project costs exceeded the overall budget by approximately one million dollars, thus cuts were made in an attempt to bring the costs closer to the original budget. The cuts made brought the project deficit to approximately $600K. Council passed a resolution at the June 3, 2020 Special Council meeting to finance the excess costs through the portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax collected and retained by the Municipality.
The rest of the project’s funding breaks down as follows:
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation - $1,000,000.
- FedNor - $1,000,000.
- Original Municipal contribution - $898,000 to be paid through long term debt.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience as the project has seen some setbacks. Once the project is complete it will be the pride of Sioux Lookout,” Larose concluded.
