Meanwhile, accessibility ramp at Foster Memorial site delayed
Jun 16, 2009 - 12:37 PM
By Jeff Hayward
UXBRIDGE -- A committee that wants to introduce a washroom at an Uxbridge landmark is hoping its plans are not flushed down the toilet.
The Thomas Foster Memorial committee, represented at Town Hall by Councillor Bev Northeast, wants to build an outdoor washroom and accessibility ramp on the north side of the Durham Road 1 site, known as the Diamond of Durham. The Foster committee's thinking is a ramp and washroom on the same side of the property would shorten travel distance for guests, said Coun. Northeast.
But after extensive debate in council chambers, the location of the washroom has yet to be agreed on, with a meeting scheduled this week to examine drawings related to the work. And while that decision hangs in limbo, the ramp work has been deferred at least a week.
Bob Ferguson, Uxbridge's facilities manager, on June 15 asked for council's approval to proceed with the ramp "to keep all the other jobs on schedule at the Foster". He warned councillors it's difficult to reschedule contractors during the busy summer construction season. "Deferring (the ramp) a week could make a difference" in the project's timeline, said Mr. Ferguson.
But some councillors, like Coun. Ted Eng, said building a ramp without knowing the exact location of the washroom "would be putting the cart before the horse."
At a previous meeting, council reviewed a letter from Gail Pimm, chairwoman of Heritage Uxbridge, who says the proposed location for a washroom northwest of the main building is unsuitable.
"The proposed structure's location would compromise the building's cultural integrity and its appearance," noted Ms. Pimm. "This proposed building blocks the natural appearance of the Foster Memorial from the front and west side."
But Coun. Northeast argues there is a well at the rear of the property, and regulations dictate the washroom must be built at least 100 feet from it, which would otherwise place the building in an obstructive location on a southern portion of the site.
"This takes away an area where we could eventually use for larger programs ... and it also takes away the use of the back gate area if and when we ever get property behind the Foster to use for parking," said Coun. Northeast.
Weddings are held at the site with photos taken on the south side under evergreen trees, and putting a washroom there would ruin photo opportunities, she added.
"(The Foster committee) thought this through very carefully," stated Coun. Northeast.
While funding for the ramp and repairs will come from Township coffers, the Foster committee has secured a $50,000 federal grant to build the washroom, according to Coun. Bev Northeast.
Thomas Foster, raised in Scott Township, built the memorial after being inspired by the Taj Mahal. The memorial was erected in 1935-36 and contains three crypts for Mr. Foster, his wife and daughter. The structure is now owned by the Township.
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