Omemee splash pad included in 2023 budget deliberations

Council recommended at their committee of the whole meeting that $100,000 be set aside as potential seed money for a splash pad in Omemee.

It is hoped that by the time the 2023 budget is discussed next November, those in Omemee who want the project will have had a chance to organize and begin the fundraising for a project that could cost as much as $600,000.

In his presentation to council, director of community services Craig Shanks made it clear the splash pad project could be expensive and the bulk of the costs would be borne through fundraising by residents who want the facility to be built.

“There are also water issues in Omemee,” Shanks said. “We need to consider water and waste water issues and there is study and design work that needs to be done.”

Councillor Doug Elmslie wanted to know more about the water issues in Omemee.

“At the splash pad in Fenelon, the water needs first to be chlorinated (before usage) and then dechlorinated (before becoming wastewater). Will this need to happen in Omemee too?” Elmslie said.

Shanks confirmed this, noting a holding tank will need to be provided in Omemee at a cost of $150,000.

Mayor Andy Letham brought up the idea of well water or lake water as a water source, wondering if this would be safe. However, Shanks says this would be a greater expense.

In response to Shanks’ report, Omemee-area councillor Ron Ashmore asked for $100,000 in seed money be set aside as a decision unit in the 2023 budget. That money, if approved, would likely pay for the splash pad design and water study.

“I am trying to see the positives in this report,” Ashmore said. There are lots of groups in Omemee who want to help. If we have to wait till 2024 that is fine. We just want to keep the project going.”

More discussion of the splash pad is expected at the regular council meeting on March 22.