Caledon recreation facilities to get new life
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter
Renewing and breathing life into the Town's recreation facilities is the focus of the recreation and property services department in its 2008 budget.

Department director Eriks Eglite outlined a number of improvements planned for certain facilities in his presentation to Caledon council last Tuesday.

The biggest cost item is the replacement of the rink floor and boards plus an accessible washroom at the Albion Bolton Community Centre, estimated at $511,000.

The new Caledon East arena will be getting a storm pond expansion, sky jack, track and expanded security at a cost of $278,000.

The Town Hall in Caledon East will get interior updates and parking lot lighting renewal pegged at $215,000.

The Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness in Bolton will receive a workshop addition, regrouting, fire panel upgrade and equipment renewal estimated at $180,000.

Lloyd Wilson Centennial Arena in Inglewood will see a chiller repaired and an improved security system for $48,000.

Eglite noted there's $200,000 more in the budget for wages due to cost-ofliving increases.

He added they've been forced to use contracted services at their facilities instead of handymen which will now cost $100,000 more.

"This is getting silly," Councillor Allan Thompson commented on the handyman issue. "It's common sense. Let's stand up and say enough is enough."

Councillor Richard Paterak was impressed with the greatly improved condition of the Town's buildings.

"This building is a showcase now," he said of the Town Hall.

Councillor Annette Groves observed the beavers, scouts and guides love the new Bolton Rotary Youth Centre.

"People are very impressed with it," she said.

She pointed out, though, there's an accessibility problem at the Mayfield Recreation Complex.

Eglite responded in four to six weeks the complex should have a ramp and accessible doors. As well, a lift is being worked on for the lower level.