|
Will introduced our speaker Steve Hernen. Best known as our Fire Chief for 23 years, and being on the for service for over 35 years. Starting as a young volunteer Steve worked his way up to Chief. In addition Hernen did various stints over the years with the town’s public works department. Then in 2017 he was asked to step into a new role as Director of Operations and Protective Services. In that role he is one of the Town's senior officers and key decision makers. Steve also runs a construction company and property management company with a number of units, many dedicated to low income housing, throughout the community. Steve's company (Brunel Road Management) was the first private/public partnership in the District of Muskoka to create affordable housing units in 2008. Steve advised he was here tonight to update the club members on the plans surrounding the Main St Streetscape project, planned for next year. Following on the successful refurbishment of King William St this year Steve acknowledged that the downtown project would be an even more challenging project. Initially the project was going to run over three years, from 2019 to 2021 but when the King William portion was pushed back it was decided to compress the project into one year. Steve advised us that the plans were for a 4 phased approach. As with most construction projects they start at the lowest elevation and move to the highest to allow for adjustments as issues arise. The first phase covered the Town bridge to Brunel. The bridge required resurfacing, and some work on expansion joints and some infrastructure improvement as well as the sewer and water pipe repairs that are the main purpose of the construction. This phase should go from March to June and will require the closure of the swing bridge. Phase two will cover Main St from Brunel all the way to Centre St. While the construction of Brunel to West St and West St to Centre will be done in 2 separate stages, there is a need for storage and staging space throughout the work. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained and stores open but no vehicles. The final phase is Centre St to Lorne, mostly a cosmetic fix, with the intersection at Main and Centre open throughout all phases to allow for fire and safety vehicle access. Key features include the planting of 48 large trees, the conversion of King St between Main and River Mill into a pedestrian walkway, and the creation of a number of 'Muskoka Moment' areas where visitors can sit and relax. The intersection at Main and Centre will be totally reworked to allow for turning lanes and there will be a proper crosswalk installed at the corner of Main St and West St. The Town is working with Trinity Church to convert the space between their buildings into a walkway with handicapped access between Main St and the back of the theatre. The last area to be looked at was Kent Park An original plan was scrapped based on a proposal at the launch meeting that suggested installing an 'eternal flame' permanent campfire along with sitting chairs, rockscapes etc. All this would be covered by a wooden shelter to give visitors and residents alike a place to have their Muskoka Moment. Steve took questions and assured Peter that the Rotary Archway on King St would remain as well as the 'Donnie's Broom' sculpture. He informed us that the Districts portion of the project was $10MM and the Town's $3MM, mostly for the Streetscape. The BIA merchants have mixed reactions. They don't want to close and be impacted but they know the final product will be a winner for years to come. Steve assured Nick that (Covid aside) there would be a route for the 2021 Santa Claus parade. Hugh thanked Steve for his presentation and acknowledged how much work this size of project entails. He also gave kudos for how smoothly the King William portion came off.
|
.png)
