Centre Wellington taxpayers will be shouldering the burden for a while, as council here agreed on April 8 to issue another $25,000 interest-free loan to the Elora BIA to cover costs incurred to create the greenspace on the Suncor property at the intersection of Metcalfe and Mill Streets.
The loan is in addition to another interest-free loan for $25,000 authorized by council last May.
Elora BIA member Resa Lent said the organization is still looking at $50,000 in costs owed to Yard Weasels “for the incredible work that they did.”
Lent pointed out there have been a number of fundraisers in the past few months, including Millfest. That event, Lent said, involved an incredible amount of work and raised $3,500.
“It was not quite as much as I would have liked, but we are trying.”
She added the Landmark group (currently renovating the Elora Mill property) has been so supportive.
“They’ve been great to work with and are supportive of another project.”
She said the request for the additional loan was considered an option because the outstanding bill for the landscaping “really needs to be paid.”
Lent said “as a BIA, this was something that we were willing to support with our budget.”
Even with a small budget, Lent said there was a willingness to take $10,000 over the next number of years to complete the project.
Fundraisers will continue
At the same time, Lent said, fundraisers within the community will continue.
She anticipated more public education to make people aware they can get a tax receipt for donations.
Lent said another corporate letter is being sent out to those who have indicated in the past they would be willing to help.
“Now we are down to the crunch.
“I for one, am not going to be a Ms. Nice Guy anymore about asking. I am really asking because we really want this done.”
Lent said she wants to see this project paid for and Yard Weasels deserves many kudos for the work it has done.
“It was wonderful and everyone loves that park. It’s such a great beautification and marketing tool.”
Councillor Fred Morris agreed the work has created a marvellous looking corner.
Council approved the loan.
The township’s policy with respect to interest free loans states that:
“The maximum aggregate loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed $200,000.”
The addition of this request will bring the balance to $160,000.
