Strathmore focuses on next beautification project

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Discussions are underway between the Town of Strathmore and various community partners regarding further development to the downtown hub by enhancing Kinsmen Park and planning a new town hall.
Just last year, the park was made more accessible to persons with disabilities, and was spruced up with new lighting fixtures, freshly-painted benches and more greenery. The park also received upgrades to its playground and saw the addition of the community pavilion.
Attention is now turned towards ball diamonds, trail systems and the general beautification of the area as outlined in the 2016 Kinsmen Park Public Engagement Report. Other features such as change rooms and washrooms are also being considered.
“Kinsmen Park is a hub for many community events and gatherings that bring our community together,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule. “Council is committed to investing in projects that increase the health, accessibility and attractiveness of Strathmore, and we’re excited to see this with the planned improvements in Kinsmen Park.”
Kinsmen Park and its community pavilion house various events throughout the year including Canada Day festivities, the farmer’s markets and the Great Skate. As such, the town is now in its first phase of planning for a new town hall to be constructed on the north end of Kinsmen Park. The long-term project, expected to continue into 2019, could provide a solution for the town’s current at-capacity problem and address its current health and safety issues that have arisen as a result.
Besides providing residents with what the town refers to as a one-stop-shop solution, consideration was given to purchasing and renovating existing buildings or renovating the current space; neither option proved cost effective according to the town.
Although planning is still in its infancy, parking is expected to increase if the new town hall is built.
“Much more public discussion and public engagement is required before finalizing details for the new town hall space,” said Fule. “This includes input from community partners like the Kinsmen Club, residents and user groups.”
Fule added that the project would receive funding that will be a combination of grant funding and borrowing that was approved as part of the 2017 capital budget, and is part of council’s 2018 long term financial plan.
Despite a lack of details surrounding the project currently, improvements to Kinsmen Park are planned for the fall of 2018.