Here are some of the other stories to come out of Quinte West Council’s regular meeting, on August 8, 2016:
Council updated on low water situation
The City of Quinte West is cutting back some water usage, to deal with low water conditions, issued by local conservation authorities.
Director of Public Works Chris Angelo updated council on the situation Monday night, since the city stretches between both Quinte Conservation and Lower Trent Conservation Watersheds.
Areas of the city in the Quinte Conservation coverage area are seeing a 50% reduction in water use, including when it comes to watering fields or washing municipal trucks, while the cut back has been 20%, in areas that are covered by Lower Trent Conservation.
Angelo says, as far as the city’s treatment plants go, there’s lots of water available and that those plants are in good shape and aren’t at risk.
Contract awarded for Frankford Bridge watermain work
It looks like a rather intensive public works project will finally go ahead in Quinte West.
Last night, council approved a tender from Cooney Excavating, the lowest of four bidders, to do work on the suspended watermain along the Frankford Bridge.
The work was supposed to be done in 2013, but the project came in over-budget and staff had to re-evaluate and adjust the scope of the work.
The budget for the project this year is $450,000 and the accepted tender is valued at just over $636,000, so extra funds will be moved from operational and capital surpluses, to cover the difference.
The earliest the work can start is August 16th and it has to be done by mid-November, before it gets too cold.
Application being readied for help with Batawa Community Centre upgrades
The City of Quinte West will be asking for some help in completing renovations to the Batawa Community Centre.
Last night, councillors agreed to submit an application to the Ontario 150 Community Capital Program, which is helping to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
The program will fund half of any eligible project, up to a maximum of $500,000 and those projects must be completed by March 31, 2018.
Plans for the community centre include renovations and new equipment for the kitchen, costing $200,000 and the resurfacing of the parking lot, at a cost of $300,000.
The deadline for applications is September 19th and CAO Charlie Murphy says the city will hopefully hear back on the application by the end of this year.
Firefit coming for Canada Day 2017
The City of Quinte West is following in the footsteps of its easterly neighbours and will host a Firefit competition next year.
After Belleville hosted the regional competition a couple of weeks ago, Quinte West will host the 2017 edition, to coincide with Canada Day Celebrations.
City Councillors agreed to enter into a host contract with organizers at Monday night’s regular meeting.
The Belleville event brought thousands of competitors to the region, who take part in a race that simulates various emergency services exercises and procedures.
Mayor Jim Harrison says the event will be a perfect addition to Canada Day next year and a great tribute to the firefighters who work in the city.
Local ball tourney raises thousands for QWMHA
Minor hockey players in Quinte West will be benefiting from some money raised at a local ball tournament.
The 3rd annual Batter Up For Minor Hockey tournament was held in Trenton at the end of July and raised just under $5,000 for local minor hockey programs.
Organizer and long time Quinte West hockey player Brandon O’Quinn presented the money in front of city council last night.
Mayor Jim Harrison praised O’Quinn and his team for their work, saying it’s always important to continue to support the city’s minor sports programs.
