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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPUB-006-25Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: May 5, 2025 Report Number: PUB-006-25 Authored By: Mariano Perini, Director, Public Works Submitted By: Lee-Ann Reck, Deputy CAO, Public Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution Number: File Number: Report Subject: Commemoration of Marie Hubbard Recommendations: 1.That Report PUB-006-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2. That Staff continue to collaborate with the Visual Arts Centre to finalize the design that commemorates the commitment and dedication to public service of Marie Hubbard, former Chair of the Visual Arts Centre and Mayor of Newcastle; 3. That Council approve funding of $10,000 for design and construction for a commemorative green space on the grounds of the Visual Arts Centre; 4. That funding for the design and construction for the commemorative green space come from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund; and 5.That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-006-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PUB-006-25 Report Overview This report outlines the design and construction plans for a commemorative green space dedicated to Marie Hubbard, former Mayor of Newcastle and Chair of the Visual Art Centre. The commemorative garden will be located at the entrance of the Visual Art Centre, serving as a tribute to her contributions to the community and the arts. The project will be completed internally by public works staff. 1. Background 1.1 At the November 6, 2024, General Governance Committee meeting staff presented report PUB-016-24, Civic Recognition and Dedication Program. 1.2 In keeping with the guidelines of the report, staff were requested to find a means to commemorate Marie Hubbard’s long-time dedication to public service. 1.3 Public Services staff have collaborated with the Visual Arts Centre to identify a suitable location that will be accessible to both the public and patrons of the centre, allowing them to access and enjoy the green space. Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PUB-006-25 2. Discussion 2.1 Public Works staff in conjunction with Visual Arts Centre staff identified an area at the northwest corner of the building adjacent to the main entrance. 2.2 This location is visible to vehicle and foot traffic accessing Soper Creek Park and patrons of the Visual Arts Centre. 2.3 The substrate within this area is conducive for soft and hard landscaping and would require minimal excavation and no alterations to the existing amenities. 2.4 Public Works staff will landscape the area with mixture of materials such as mulch, planting of low maintenance shrubs and perennial flowers suitable for the location. 2.5 A park bench will be integrated into the landscaped design, and a commemorative plaque will be prominently displayed on a landscape stone. 2.6 The design and construction of the area will be performed by parks staff within Public Works. The design will commence over the summer and construction will be added to the workflow for the fall of 2025. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PUB-006-25 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 The Manager of Parks has estimated that the cost of materials required to construct the area is $10,000. The construction work will be carried out by staff from the Parks Department. 3.2 Funding for this project will be sought from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. 4. Strategic Plan 4.1 The recommendation within this report aligns with Council’s objectives to recognize and celebrate our community and support for the local arts and heritage sectors. 5. Climate Change 5.1 Dedicating a green space within the grounds of the Visual Arts Centre supports our commitment to expanding our greenspaces, reducing our carbon footprint. Staff will select species of plants and materials that are tolerant to disease and drought. 6. Concurrence 6.1 This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO/Treasurer who concurs with the recommendations. 7. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Council consider and approve the recommendations within this report. Staff Contact: Mariano Perini, Director, Public Works, 905-623-3379 x2903 or mperini@clarignton.net. Attachments: Not Applicable Interested Parties: The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision: - Dionne Powlenzuk, Executive Director, Visual Arts Centre of Clarington