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Updates to camp kitchen, visitor kiosk discussed in Stirling

Posted on July 6, 2021 by admin

By Nikki Jamieson
Westwind Weekly News

Options are being explored to upgrade the Village of Stirling’s camp kitchen.

During a regular June 16 meeting, Stirling council received updates regarding the village’s camp kitchen and Tourism Kiosk.

“When we conducted a review of our energy use in 2020 we identified the camp kitchen as an area that needed to be evaluated for decommissioning, as usage of electrical power was low. It was identified as an area needing better lighting, security and a longterm plan in terms of upgrades to improve the user experience,” said Mayor Trevor Lewington. “The kiosk, likewise, could use refreshing and a change in design to prevent vandalism.”

Earlier this year during a January council meeting, council had directed administration to explore options to both refurbish and properly secure or remove the camp kitchen/shelter for consideration in the 2022 Capital Plan, along with directing administration to explore options to both refurbish and properly secure the Tourism Kiosk/Visitor Centre structure for consideration in the 2022 Capital Plan, and request the Historical Society to explore grants and resources to replace and repair damaged display panels at the structure.

These are two of seven motions made in response to the 2020 Year-End Energy Program Review. The report contained a detailed analysis of the village’s energy consumption costs, relating to electrical and natural gas, and looked at their energy production from solar generation.

It then compared rates and earning potentials by moving the village’s sites to Ridge Utilities, the Village of Stirling’s municipally-owned corporation.

A conclusion was reached that with Ridge Utilities’solar club rates, the village stood to gain financially by switching electrical services over to Ridge Utilities, creating positive revenues for both the village and the corporation.

During the June meeting, council discussed the need to add the shelter and kiosk to their future capital plans and determine if upgrades would improve use. Currently, there have been no recent upgrades or additions to the spaces, although painting and ongoing landscaping is done to maintain the kiosk’s exterior appearance.

“The camp kitchen is still available and open for use this summer by campers. It is perfectly functional as a shelter from the elements and gathering space.” The kiosk also remains open for visitors.

Council passed a motion to direct administration to continue to explore options for the camp kitchen and report back during the capital planning process in the fall. The Public Works team will also do some painting and other cosmetic improvements, as time allows.

Council also passed a motion to refer the matter of the Visitor Kiosk to the Stirling Historical Society to explore potential grants, provide recommendations on potential design changes and other general feedback about the use of the site.

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