Collingwood Council has accepted the low tender of Fuhre Construction Limited, in the amount of $394,910.00, as the contractor for the Collingwood Curling Club Phase Two - Entrance/Vestibule Addition and Interior Renovations.

It was moved by Councilor Sonney Foley and seconded by Councilor Kathy Jeffery that council accept the tender allowing Phase two of the Curling Club Renovation to move forward. Phase Two calls for a completely new tower entrance and elevator to be added to the front of the Curling Club building. The addition will match the existing structure to embrace the heritage aspect of the building, constructed in 1909. The renovation will allow the facility to be accessible for the Para Games in February, 2008, and the Ontario Winter Games in March, 2008.

Councilor Dave LaBelle asked Director of Leisure Services Peter Dunbar if the dollar amount was over the budget originally approved by council for renovations. Mr. Dunbar acknowledged that the tender was different than the original presentation received by Council two months ago. He said that extra window treatments for example were requested, a roof issue and other modifications to the overall project which made it necessary for the original presentation to be revised slightly.

Peter Dunbar told Council that the construction of the elevator is critical for the accessibility of the Para Games athletes, allowing for entry to the second floor area where food will be served and viewing of the matches can take place. Councilor Mike Edwards asked if outside funding would be a possibility for the construction of the elevator. "Yes, we are anticipating an application going out for part of the funding, but it's essential that we have the footprint of the building down first before we make application for some of the contents" Dunbar told Councilor Edwards. Mayor Chris Carrier pointed out that the renovations will benefit the people of Collingwood as well. "It's not just for the Olympians coming next year. We do have an aging population and those that are former athletes who now have knee and hip issues can certainly utilize the elevator" Carrier said. Councilor Mike Edwards agreed with Mayor Carrier, adding that a revenue stream will be created once the building is suitable for renting out to various clubs and groups. "We talk about it being the Curling Club, but it is a Town building and it makes it accessible for people to rent for all kinds of occasions" Edwards said. "It's a larger room inside with elevator access that will certainly make it more rentable for receptions" Edwards added.

Councilor Sonny Foley was concerned about the appearance of the aluminum windows and wondered how they could be made to better fit in with the historical aspect of the building. Peter Dunbar responded by assuring Councilor Foley that the windows will be made to replicate historic windows along with having a protective colour coating added to them.