A Severn resident who is seeking information about the township’s plans for a recreation centre has organized a public meeting.
Wanda Minnings was concerned when council decided to not apply for a grant of up to $5 million for a recreation centre in Westshore/Cumberland Beach. Instead, council voted to go after up to $2.5 million for outdoor sports facilities in other parts of the township.
“I had more questions than answers,” Minnings said.
After speaking with Mayor Mike Burkett, she learned the reason for the decision.
Burkett told OrilliaMatters council had “concerns when we saw we didn’t have good, strong numbers about what that building is going to cost.”
The rec centre is in the township’s strategic plan, but council has decided to not discuss it again until October 2020.
Burkett is hopeful a recreation master plan will be completed in February. That will give council more information before deciding on the specifics of the project.
“Without that direction, we really have no teeth. There has to be a plan,” he said.
He also wants council to “start banking money every year toward the new building.”
Minnings said she understood that reasoning, but she’s going ahead with the meeting to give residents an opportunity to learn about council’s plans for recreation opportunities in Cumberland Beach and elsewhere in the township.
She has encouraged members of council to attend, too.
“I want it to be a two-way conversation. Let’s hear what’s going on and find out how we, as a community, can help,” she said. “We all want this to be the best family place ever.”
The meeting will take place Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Hope Community Church in Cumberland Beach.
For more information, contact Minnings at [email protected].
