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DEPUTATION BY MS. NANCY BIGELOW CONCERNING THE DIRECT MOTION REGARDING THE PRESENTATION BY THE FOUNDATION FUND VOLUNTEER CENTRE FOR SPRINGWATER PARK.
Ms. Nancy Bigelow provided a deputation on behalf of the Springwater Park Foundation concerning the Direct Motion regarding the Presentation by the Foundation Fund Volunteer Centre for Springwater Park. She advised that it is the mission of the Springwater Park Foundation and it's supporters to restore Springwater Park to operational status with no cost to taxpayers. She advised that Springwater Park was designated non operational 15 months ago by the Ministry of Natural Resources. She observed that the City of Barrie residents were regular visitors to the park enjoying its amenities. Ms. Bigelow advised that the Beausoleil First Nations Band from Christian Island have attempted to negotiate a partnership plan to develop a Native Learning Centre on the park property to initiate the reopening of the park. She noted that the Foundation has no objection to the Learning Centre being located at the park as long as the park would remain operational for all persons wanting to enjoy the open space.
Ms. Bigelow stated that in 2012, the Ministry of Natural Resources rendered 10 Provincial Parks non-operation as a cost saving measure and that five parks have since re-opened by agreements established between the municipalities and the Ministry of Natural Resources citing economic benefits to the areas. She suggested the same benefits would be realized by the City of Barrie if Springwater Park was brought back to operational status, but any agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources would have to be done soon due to the deterioration of the Park since its closure. Ms. Bigelow noted that Springwater Park had an operating deficit prior to its closure. She identified that there was significant costs associated with the caring and feeding of animals in a zoo-like setting, but because the animals have been moved the operating costs of the park would likely be reduced. Ms. Bigelow discussed that there is a need for some capital expenditure at the park to repair existing infrastructure but indicated that this can be addressed at a later time.
Ms. Bigelow advised that the Springwater Park Foundation has the support of businesses owners and service clubs within the City of Barrie, through in-kind donations and has funding available to cover any operating deficits that may be incurred while restoring the park to its previous condition. She stated that she believes that the Park will be self-sustaining within three years of renewed operations. She commented that the County of Simcoe and Township of Springwater continue to show support for the reopening of the park through contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources noted that the Township of Springwater also has funding $10,000 available in the event it is needed.
In closing, Ms. Bigelow reiterated that the Springwater Park Foundation is committed to the Park being operated with no burden to taxpayers. She requested that the City of Barrie write a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources in support of Sprinwater Park being reopened and noted that she feels the City of Barrie needs to participate in discussions on the future of the Park. Ms. Bigelow also requested consideration of in-kind support for park maintenance in return for use of equipment storage facilities on the park property.
Members of Council asked several questions of the Ms. Bigelow and received responses.