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FEBRUARY 18, 2021
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Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 26 | Issue 07
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Living Here | 17
Wellesley takes a step towards new multi-use facility
Woolwich looking to bring illegal on-farm businesses into compliance
Township looking for six contractors to bid on project through RFP process Sean Heeger Observer Staff
MOVING AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR a new multiuse recreation facility in Wellesley, township council’s next step is to solicit a request for proposal (RFP) in hopes of prequalifying up to six contractors interested in taking on the project. The township has earmarked $15 million for the building. It has thus far been unable to secure funding from the federal or provincial government. In a 3-2 split decision Tuesday night, councillors approved an $8,000 stipend for each of the contractors chosen to submit a proposal that includes drawings, a floor plan and possible elevations for a new building that will include an arena, youth centre and gymnasium. There are also plans for a dedicated space for the Woolwich Community Health Centre (WCHC). In 2020, staff prequalified 13 contractors from among 19 that submitted proposals for the centre.
Steve Kannon
From those remaining, the top six will be invited to bid on the project. Overall, the township expects to spend about $56,500 on the RFP process, including $48,000 for the stipend to six contractors. In a report to council, director of recreation Danny Roth noted the process doesn’t commit council to approving the new rec. project. Coun. Peter van der Maas asked why they were going with six as opposed to three or four applicantions from contractors. Roth responded that the township may not get as many competitive bids with fewer companies involved. “Six was just the number that we came up with that we felt was a good number to get the correct variety that we’re going to need in an RFP such as this. By narrowing it to three, you may not get the competitive bids that you necessarily need by going with more, going up to six. You could see a variance in pricing coming → MULTI-USE FACILITY 4
Observer Staff
An Elmira resident found more than letters in the mailbox Wednesday morning, as an Eastern Screech Owl had taken refuge there. Birder Ken Burrell notes the owls are relatively common in the area. “I suspect the cold weather is bringing them out to unusual areas to find some relief from the cold. The mailbox would definitely provide relief from the wind-chill.” Pat Merlihan
IN OPERATION SINCE 2016, A Woolwich on-farm business will now be operating legally, as township council last week approved a zone change to bring the property into compliance. Noah W. Martin runs AM Custom Sales and Service, an agricultural equipment business, from a two-acre portion of his 32.2-acre farm property at 1356 Tilman Rd. Until now, the property wasn’t properly zoned to allow the business. It was one of many the township is investigating for non-compliance – there are currently about 50 others on the radar, with many more expected to be discovered. Manager of planning Jeremy Vink said AM Custom Sales and Service is not unique in its challenges, including improper zoning and operating in buildings that aren’t up to code. In Martin’s case, the building constructed in 2016 will need significant upgrades to meet the building code. Operators of on-farm businesses that want to continue will have to meet many of the same requirements as businesses in, say, industrial areas. Those that can’t will either have to scale back or move the businesses elsewhere. “It’s not a simple thing, and the costs are not cheap.” At the February 9 council meeting, Coun. Patrick Merlihan noted there are concerns about the property – “I understand the building isn’t up to snuff” – and →ON-FARM BUSINESS 4
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