DEPARTMENT/FUNCTION: Finance and General Government Section

Town of Penetanguishene Section Committee Report

COMMITTEE: Planning & Development Section

COMMITTEE CHAIR: Councillor Anne Murphy

SUBJECT: Downtown Beautification Program – Phase One

RECOMMENDATION: THAT the staff be directed to proceed with the preferred planter for the upcoming spring/summer season manufactured by King Luminiare for a total cost of $572.00 per planter (both 18 inch and 24 inch size) plus taxes and freight to a maximum value of $10,000 from the 2006/2007 funds for streetscaping in the capital plan. Funds may also be accessed from the waterfront improvement capital project to place new planters at the Town Dock.

INTRODUCTION The approved Downtown Revitalization Program includes funding for streetscaping through replacement of flower barrels, benches, garbage/recycling receptacles and banners etc. This project forms part of the 2008 objectives and work initiatives for the Economic Development Committee. In light of this goal and objective, staff from the C.A.O,’s Office, Parks and Public Works Departments have met to strategize about the possible first steps in relation to streetscaping priorities for the upcoming spring/summer season.

ANALYSIS After much discussion, staff recommends that the Town focus its financial and personnel resources on the replacement of flower barrels as Phase One of the overall streetscaping project during the spring of 2008. The C.A.O.’s Office has been collecting material over the past several months from vendors who offer street beautification products. Attached is an example of the proposed new planter design. In consultation with the Parks and Public Works Departments, it is believed that this planter is an excellent design from an aesthetics, functionality and size perspective.

Roy Patenaude from our Recreation Department has taken measurements along Main Street of the space available between the sidewalk and curb where new flower planters may be placed beside the new streetlight poles. Attached is a drawing outlining the measurements.

Given the space limitations, the Town will need to acquire narrow planters for placement at locations along Main Street where the space between the sidewalk and curb is suitable. The Town may consider the possible clustering narrow and standard sized planters at key locations where there is a larger space available such as:  the northwest corner of Main and Robert Streets  the northeast corner of Main and Robert Streets  French Centre Parking lot  Memorial Park  Entrance to Penetanguishene Rotary Park  Townhall  Southeast corner of Water and Main Streets  Town Dock at the Tourist Information Centre and/or along the proposed pedestrian walkway

Focusing on replacement of planters will enhance the overall appearance of our Main Street corridor for residents and visitors to Penetanguishene and provide an opportunity for our local merchants to see visible improvements to the Main Street.

Staff has received quotes from three vendors who specialize in streetscaping manufacturing. Upon review of the quotes, King Luminiare has come in with the most competitive quote and durable product. King Luminiare is the same company that has manufactured the Town’s new streetlights. In addition to this, King Luminiare offers a line of matching streetscaping items (benches, garbage and recycling receptacles etc.) to the planters for future consideration.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The capital budget allows for $5,000.00 per year over a five year period for streetscaping. There is also a carry forward of $5000 from 2007. It is recommended that $10,000 be allocated to replacement of the planters along the Main Street corridor. Should additional funds be required to place the new planters at the Town Dock, the Town may also access some of the funds set aside for waterfront improvements.

In addition to these funds, there is some residual monies in the Capital Plan from 2006 which may be accessed to do other small streetscaping projects.

RISK MANAGEMENT All risk management issues such as accessibility and vandalisms will be addressed at the time of installation.

Prepared by: Eleanor Rath, C.A.O. Jenny Legget, Community Development Coordinator

Meeting Date: Monday, April 21, 2008