Two new boilers to be installed at the Libro Centre

Two new boilers will be installed at the Libro Centre at a cost of $179,930 with the town signing a contract with Cardinal Service Group Inc. for the work. A $91,305 shortfall will be funded through the general reserve, reallocation of funding set aside for artificial turf and Lexon panel replacements and the sale of a Zamboni that was replaced.

Director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon said one boiler failed and the second showed signs of failure. Councillor Peter Courtney favoured replacing them both and hoped it would be a non-issue for a long-time after they are replaced.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said successive council “worked incredibly hard to rebuild our reserve position” and this move showed why it is important. The town can be proactive and replace equipment before it totally breaks down.

Councillor Diane Pouget said “this is a need, we must do this,” but had questions over the overage. She asked about the potential risk to the reserves, but Deputy CAO Melissa Osborne said the surplus from the electric Zamboni will result in this project having little impact on reserves. Two other projects will be taken from to cover the shortfall. Treasurer Tracy Prince said the town is in a better reserve position than two years ago, and balances allow them to maintain the five-year capital project and do projects such as this.

Grant approved

Town council approved $60,000 in grant funding for a number of community groups and another has been given the green light as well. A $2,000 grant for 2nd Amherstburg Scouting was approved with a report from clerk Kevin Fox stating it was missed during budget deliberations due to an error.

Town council would approve the request, but Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he would prefer it to be a pre-approval for the 2026 budget.

Two new boilers to be installed at the Libro Centre

By Ron Giofu