It’s an issue that seems well into extra innings at this point, but the reality of a new clubhouse at Jubilee Field looks to at least be on base with a strong lead-off after Monday night’s meeting of Corner Brook City Council.
In a request for decision brought forward by Coun. Vaughn Granter, council unanimously approved a proposal by LAT49 Architecture Inc. to perform prime consulting services associated with a new design to conform to a concept as previously developed for the Jubilee Field clubhouse.
Mayor Jim Parsons admitted there have been plenty of questions about the status of this project, as it has been in the works “for some time now.”
“Of course, we don’t always get to determine when the federal government and provincial government are able to provide funding,” he said. “We recently had an announcement that indicates the funding window will be open again for applications this month.”
Coun. Josh Carey said if funding is procured, work on the new clubhouse should begin as soon as possible, as it’s “long overdue.”
“You mentioned the window for funding is open,” he said during the meeting. “We’d better put out our best window dressing.”
The agreement between the city and the architectural firm is in the amount of $99,992.50 (HST included).
That money is 100 per cent from the city’s capital budget, said Dale Park, director of finance and administration.
Parsons said the city had allocated $500,000 in the last budget for the actual building phase of the project, with the hopes additional funding would come from the federal or provincial government to cover the rest, but that funding never came.
“In the meantime, we can move ahead and fund the actual engineering side and have that much done so we are shovel-ready when the funding comes,” he said.
Coun. Tony Buckle said he assumed there would be some happy ball players right now, who are finally seeing the project move ahead.
Deputy Mayor Bill Griffin agreed and said the demolition of the current clubhouse is a welcome inevitability.
“That building … is no longer useable,” he said. “It’s an eyesore and it’s an embarrassment.”
