Toilet cost flushes out council differences

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffOct 11 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The price tag for park washrooms continues to drive political debate. Some Vernon council members used Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting to push for a washroom facility to be constructed at the Sovereign property in Coldstream. “I would hope we don’t scrimp too much and we can find a balance to make this work,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. The issue of washrooms at the park site is in limbo after the Greater Vernon Services Commission couldn’t come to agreement on spending $191,722 for a facility. Many GVSC directors were concerned the 1,000-square-foot project would cost $208 a foot, and other options should be considered to bring the tab down. However, others maintain that the proposal, which includes stucco and rock, is in keeping with the setting of the property. That is also the view of Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “It would be nice to maintain the integrity of the (heritage Sovereign) house and to put something in cheap, we’d regret it. It’s a unique property,” she said. That brought a sharp retort from Coun. Barry Beardsell, who sits on GVSC. “The Sovereign property is no more important than Marshall Fields or Polson Park,” he said. “When prices come in at a ridiculous amount, we have to see if there are different ways of doing it. We have to look after the public’s money.” The washroom issue will be before the GVSC board Thursday but staff hasn’t compiled all of the information being sought by directors. It’s not been determined if there are other options for the project, but it’s clear that staff are reluctant to downsize the scope of the work. “The contractor proposed changes, mostly to the exterior of the building, that would reduce the cost about $20,000. These changes would result in a building that does not fit the theme of the park, therefore are not acceptable changes,” writes Al McNiven, parks and recreation administrator. “The building was designed to match the exterior of the house as much as possible and to retain the heritage/homestead theme for the park.”