MINTO – This year’s second structural grant application has been approved by council for just under $9,400.
Council doesn’t typically see grants this large under the structural grant program started in 2015.
The significant project proposal comes from building owners Anthony Tsotros and Scott Young.
They own the building at 19 Elora St. S. in Harriston that houses Harry Stones Social House restaurant on the main floor and two one-bedroom apartments on the second floor.
The owners have proposed a renovation to enlarge one of the apartments into a two-bedroom unit and to build a third apartment with two bedrooms as well.
“The owner is proposing to add an exterior fire egress which not only enhances the fire and life safety in the building as a whole but also adds additional housing units with the additional apartment,” town director of building and planning services Terry Kuipers told council.
The building’s fire and safety code requires an additional set of stairs to the second floor.
The stairs are to be steel powder coated black and have guards with handrails. The steps proposed allow snow to fall through and have an anti-slip surface.
Three quotes were obtained for the work, with the lowest quote being approximately $38,000.
“With our three-to-one investment ratio used for funding grant calculation, staff is recommending council grant in the amount of $9,394,” said Kuipers.
Both Kuipers and director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham reviewed the application and agreed with the renovations.
Council approved the grant unanimously, leaving $15,716 in the Community Improvement Plan budget for 2025.
