Adjusted for inflation, a local service club has invested more than $4 million over 60-plus years into the children’s animal farm complex in Sarnia’s Canatara Park.
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So says Ken Machan, with the Seaway Kiwanis Club of Sarnia.
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That includes barns, fences, pens, the nearby cabin and carriage house, pavilion, a BMX bike track and other amenities at and around the free attraction featuring barnyard animals that first opened in 1964.
The service club this year is highlighting that legacy, Machan told city council, and looking to make some changes for the future.
Among them, he said, is getting help funding future projects.
The city approached the club in 1959 about partnering on opening the farm, and the sides had a handshake deal to equally split capital upgrade costs for the city-owned asset, Machan said.
The sides did indeed split those costs until about 2007, after which the city stopped paying, he said.
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Improvements didn’t stop, but “it just put more pressure on the Seaway club to work harder fundraising,” he said, crediting community donations of money, time and expertise for helping get various projects off the ground.
The club is also asking to be involved in a new master plan in the works for the city park, for more regular maintenance to help spruce up the animal farm, and for a new storage building at the park for the club — which helps put on community events there and has equipment for those stored at various locations in the city, Machan said.
Coun. Anne Marie Gillis, who recently said the animal farm was “looking rather tired,” asking for it to be included in the master plan, noted that comment wasn’t directed at Kiwanians, but rather about the city not keeping up its side of the bargain and not adequately maintaining the grounds.
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“We must be able to work together, but we must also (share) the load and not expect everything from you,” she told club members, also apologizing for any perceived slight.
She and others on city council also thanked the club for their efforts over the years.
City staff said to expect a report about the master plan for the park in March, and more details in July.
Working out formal agreements with the club may take time, and lawyers, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said.
“But the intent is good on both sides,” he said, noting city council approved a 13 per cent budget increase for parks and recreation this year to help improve maintenance at various city facilities.
Council unanimously approved staff reporting back on the service club’s requests.
Coun. Adam Kilner, who said he’s a club member, declared a conflict of interest and did not vote.
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