Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE — The Township has approved the tender for upgrading the sports lighting system at Kerwood Park, as discussed in the council meeting on July 15. This decision follows a successful grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Capital grant program in 2023, which provided $150,000 for the project.
During the council meeting, Public Works Manager Coulter Cahill presented the results of the tender process. “The baseball field lighting tender was issued on June 17 and closed on July 8, receiving four bids,” Cahill stated. The winning bid, from Clark-Haasen Electric, came in at $147,862 plus HST, leaving a surplus of $2,138 before taxes.
The project includes the installation of new lighting for the baseball diamond, playground, and walking path. The configuration will feature four pre-stressed concrete poles around the baseball field, providing a 30-foot candle average for the infield and a 20-foot candle average for the outfield. This setup will replace the existing outfield pole locations, enhancing safety and maintaining proper lighting levels.
In addition to the baseball field lighting, the township must install lighting for the pickleball and basketball courts to meet the OTF grant obligations. Cahill explained, “This addition ensures we honour our grant obligations by extending the usable hours of the park facilities. Including lighting for these courts was essential in securing the full $150,000 grant.”
The lighting for the pickleball and basketball courts, not included in the original tender, will cost an additional $16,750 before HST. This expense covers an extra light standard with two fixtures for the courts and a third fixture with a dusk-to-dawn sensor to illuminate the parking lot, further enhancing park safety and usability.
Mayor Sue Clarke expressed appreciation for the efforts behind the grant application and the project planning. “ This is a perfect example of a successful application because it’s a significant deal for us here in this municipality,” she noted during the meeting.
Council unanimously approved the recommendations. Councillor Mike Brodie moved the motion, seconded by Councillor Arend Noordhof. With all councillors in favour, the motion was carried, setting the stage for the upgrades to commence in October 2024.
