ELORA – Centre Wellington Staff will recommend to council not to proceed with replacing the Victoria Park Elora Stairs at this time.
According to a report to be presented at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, the project cost is higher than previously anticipated.
In 2009, the township began steadily working to improve conditions at Victoria Park, including plantings, entrance features, viewing nodes, signage, and improved fencing.
The stairs at the park leading down to the gorge were also identified as a replacement project.
“The Victoria Park Stairs are a popular feature of the park and for Centre Wellington tourism. The stairs provide access to the water edge and trails along the Irvine River.” the report said. “The current stairs end at the bottom of the gorge, but do not provide direct access to the water edge. Many residents and visitors enjoy the opportunity to walk to the water edge, experience the gorge from this viewpoint, but this is challenging terrain to navigate.”
After looking at the stairs constructed at the GRCA Elora Gorge, staff decided it would make sense to build a similar set of stairs at Victoria Park. In July, a design was completed and a tender was issued with results received in August.
“The new stairs were designed to be built over top of the existing stairs, provide access to the water, while improving accessibility and safety.” the report said.
However, staff says remaining project costs are currently estimated to be in the vicinity of $625,000 which significantly eclipses current available budget to build and install stairs.
“In the meantime the current stairs will remain and staff will advise Council if conditions warrant closing the stairs due to risk concerns. Currently, the stairs are closed in winter as they are not maintained for winter conditions”. the report said.
Staff say the option of re-tendering would likely not result in a significant cost reduction given the current market price of materials required for this
project.
Staff will recommend to council on Monday, to postpone the project and look at more opportunities for funding. Staff note this could take months or even years to secure.
You can read the full report here.
