An east end park is requesting that a waterline be installed to complete the rejuvenation of the area.
City officials received a formal letter from Ron Moisan, the chairman of the Bannerman Park Porcupine Committee.
Moisan told the city that the park has become a community favourite, often used for wedding and family photos, and has provided the Porcupine area with a true communal gathering space.
This summer, Bannerman Park became a part of the city's summer concert series when it hosted two outdoor concerts.
Unfortunately, mother nature didn't co-operate and both evenings saw significant downpours.
The second concert was cancelled completely.
Nevertheless, Moisan estimates nearly 500 people attended the first concert with more concerts planned for 2016.
Current Deputy Mayor Noella Rinaldo, who was reigning over Monday's meeting, explained the gist of the letter.
“Basically this was done by volunteers, they've redone it, and have maintained it, but they do need water and they need this waterline,” she said.
The Bannerman Park waterline would not need to travel far, as a connection to the adjacent Coott Street line could be made.
Ward 4 Councillor Pat Bamford elaborated on the effort of local residents.
“It was a massive project, it's been going on for about eight years. There are people who dedicate themselves to looking after the flowers and general park maintenance. Parks and Rec cuts the grass and helps out as necessary,” he said.
Bamford explained that currently, the flowers and plants are watered by dedicated volunteers using buckets of water from nearby homes or Porcupine Lake itself.
He said an estimate he received on the cost of connecting a waterline to the park was around $15,000, and therefore would be bringing the request back during the upcoming city budget meetings.
“Hopefully we can find the dollars to do this,” said Bamford.
Councillor Mike Doody praised the efforts of area residents for their pride in parks, not just at Bannerman, but at Gillies Lake and others.
“This is the type of thing that enhances our quality of life in the city of Timmins when volunteers step forward and help out. They've come such a long way,” he said.
Doody was very optimistic that the request could be squeezed into the budget, citing the benefit to the city as a whole.
He said it is a scenic welcome to motorists driving into Timmins from the east end.
“They've given the city a helping hand, now its our turn,” said Doody.
Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek, a retired public works employee, said he fully supports the request, but was slightly puzzled by the estimated cost Bamford quoted.
“We don't have to replace any asphalt or cement and I think it's maybe 5,000 for a line like that, not 15,000, so I'll support it,” he said.
Rinaldo echoed the sentiment that the park has become a gem entering the city.
The request will be formally decided upon during budget time.
