EPCOR is giving the town $150,000 toward the Sunset Point Park Playspace, after hearing about the unique lighting and power features proposed in the park plans.
At Monday night’s council meeting, EPCOR representatives Susannah Robinson, vice president of Ontario commercial services and Darren McCrank, director of Ontario operations both attended to make the official announcement.
“It sounds really inclusive with lots of public consultations. We’re just thrilled and proud to support it,” said Robinson.
The $150,000 donation was part of the deal promised by EPCOR when the company purchased Collus PowerStream from the town last year. At the time of the sale, EPCOR earmarked the donation for the Waterfront Master Plan but didn't specify a project. The company confirmed Tuesday, the Sunset Park Playplace is receiving the $150,000 promised during the sale.
“We’re going to use our contribution to Sunset Point as a way to continue educating residents on responsible use of power, conservation measures and ways to reduce risk to system infrastructure,” she said. “We’re dedicated to giving back to communities.”
According to Dean Collver, director of parks, recreation and culture, the town first approached EPCOR on the collaboration.
“We had been talking (with EPCOR) for a while on possible projects. This was the one we felt fit both their values and ours,” said Collver.
Collver said public-private partnerships are being explored for all the parks projects around town, as a way to mitigate costs.
“When you start out, you really don’t know. You set an expectation for funding around very little. But as you go through the development and go through public consultations and form the wants and needs of the community, we need to figure out how the budget is going to get there,” said Collver. “Public-private partnerships is one of the ways we’ve been working to assist the taxpayers in getting to the outcome they’re looking for.”
At council on Monday, Robinson pointed to the USB charging stations and Firefly Forest as the two proposed features of the park that jumped out at EPCOR as features in which they wanted to invest.
“The USB charging stations and the Firefly Forest will incorporate unique and sustainable uses of power to enhance the experience of everybody who makes it part of their daily living,” she said.
The total amount initially identified for the playground replacement was $850,000, however on Monday, Collver clarified that number will be closer to $800,000. Council approved $50,000 in 2019 to allow for the project to launch. The cost of the washrooms is a separate item as it will be paid for by development charges, at a cost of $259,350.
To read our original story about plans for the Sunset Point Park Playspace, click here.
