West Grey council is going to be receiving a report today on pursuing a grant opportunity for the proposed retrofit and remodel of the Durham Town Hall.
Set to come to council on Feb. 21, the report from Corporate and Community Initiatives Officer Kodey Hewlett and Environment and Capital Projects Officer Sarah Hanson, is looking to have council direct staff apply to the Green and Inclusive Community Building fund.
The retrofit and remodel of the town hall would seek to meet accessibility requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“If funding is received, the proposed project will involve extensive remodels to the main floor hall and warming kitchen, upper hall and stage, and installation of accessible bathrooms and elevator. Hall amenities will remain relatively status-quo, however, extensive accessibility and green infrastructure will be installed,” says the report.
The report says in undertaking this proposed project, it would also fall in line with items identified in the West Grey Climate Change Action Plan.
The proposed project would take one to two years to complete with a completion deadline of early 2026 as a result of grant requirements.
Costing about $1.3 million, should funding be secured for the proposed project, it would only fund 80 per cent of the eligible costs, leaving the municipality to cover the remaining $250,000.
“Staff are currently exploring the availability of other funding opportunities such as the Rural Economic Development program,” says the report.
Council will be reviewing this report today at its meeting at 6 p.m.
