Kincardine applying for Canada 150 grant to repair lighthouse

Kincardine council has agreed to apply for a Canada 150 grant to cover part of the costs to repair the Kincardine Lighthouse.

In committee-of-the-whole last night (June 3), treasurer Roxana Baumann presented a report, outlining the federal government's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in recognition of Canada's 150th anniversary. The grant program is dedicated to celebrating Canada's history, heritage, values and future by reinvesting in community infrastructure across the country. The program in southern Ontario has been allocated $44.4-million over two years.

The application deadline is June 9, so staff put together the figures for $675,127 in repairs to the lighthouse, including:
 

• Lantern and flat roof repair, $419,888
• Replace wood siding and restore windows on lightkeeper's residence, $121,566
• Rework existing vinyl siding and windows on tower, $46,673
• Replace concrete retaining wall north of the lighthouse, $87,000

Baumann said up to 50 per cent of the project may be funded, with priority given if the federal contribution is only 33 per cent. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2018, but priority is given for smaller-scope projects that can be completed by June 30, 2017. Project costs must be incurred between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2018.

Funding is for rehabilitation, renovation and expansion of existing community infrastructure assets, said Baumann, not for new infrastructure or facility expansions that would significantly increase the asset. The grant is for such things as community centres, cultural centres, libraries, tourist facilities, cenotaphs, recreation facilities, parks, bike paths, and so on.

Baumann said the lighthouse renovations are part of the 2015 capital budget, with $70,000 included for turret repairs, and the remainder of the work to be completed over a five-year plan.

"The project appears to be the best suited for the Canada 150 fund, as it has a clear link to Canada's heritage and has strong historical significance," said Baumann. "If successful, the 2015 repairs would be deferred to 2016."

Other projects considered, were the Phase 3 renovations of the Kincardine Arts Centre, and washrooms at Dunsmoor Park.

"I think the lighthouse repairs are a good use of this grant," said councillor Maureen Couture. "We're never going to find the money to cover all that; it's an expensive program.

Councillor Laura Haight agreed, saying that it would also be nice to "Light the Lighthouse," with some flood-lighting from the Huron Terrace bridge.

Councillor Randy Roppel said the grant is for one-third to one-half of the cost, so the municipality would be on the hook for the remainder of the cost. "This is a lot of money; it's a major expenditure."

"So, we would still need to spend $300,000, but that would be over two years?" asked deputy mayor Jacqueline Faubert.

Baumann said the smaller-scope projects are to be completed by June 30, 2017. "It's expensive to put up the scaffolding around the lighthouse so you'd want to do the project in one year. There is money in the lifecycle fund for this."

"Should we submit a smaller project as well?" asked councillor Andrew White.

"The deadline is next Tuesday so we'd be scrambling to get the figures for the grant application," said Baumann.

"And the government would likely go with the smaller project and forget the larger project," said councillor Mike Leggett.

"It's a tough decision," said Faubert. 'We could submit a smaller project, such as the tennis court repairs."

Chief administrative officer Murray Clarke said the one compelling thing about grant funding from the upper level of government, is that the parameters often distort the priorities.

"This fund is to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation," he said. "The Kincardine Lighthouse is an iconic structure. This project fits very well with the grant program."

"It would also be good to remind the feds that the lighthouse used to belong to them," added Leggett.

"That is in the application," said Clarke.

"The lighthouse is a major tourist attraction and needs to be fixed up," said mayor Anne Eadie.

Committee-of-the-whole agreed to apply for a Canada 150 grant for lighthouse repairs. That was later approved by council.