A plan to turn the former Delta Maple Syrup property into a municipal parking lot is moving forward, although several Rideau Lakes councillors questioned why designing the lot will cost nearly $69,000.
Committee of the whole voted Aug. 10 to recommend awarding the contract to Aplin & Martin Consultants Ltd. for $68,906.78, including the township’s portion of HST.
The company received the highest score among six firms that submitted proposals for the work. Bids ranged from $67,715 to $159,026.50 before HST.
The township demolished the former maple syrup facility at 8 Court St. following council’s decision to use the property for municipal parking.
Coun. Marcia Maxwell questioned whether the township was planning something more permanent and elaborate than council had originally envisioned. She said she had understood the site would provide relatively basic parking while leaving open the possibility of using the property differently in the future.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Banks also urged staff to keep the project simple, noting the township will still have to pay to construct the parking lot after spending nearly $69,000 on its design.
Manager of Facilities and Parks Steve Holmes said the work involves considerably more than laying down gravel or asphalt.
Consultants will have to complete legal and topographic surveying, establish site elevations and address drainage and stormwater management. Holmes said runoff cannot be directed into the nearby creek, and previous environmental studies and findings concerning the property must also be considered.
The work will include at least two preliminary designs, two public open houses, construction drawings at the 30, 60 and 90 per cent stages, a Class B cost estimate, a public-consultation report and presentations to council.
Holmes said the township wants to complete the initial concepts and survey work before snow arrives. Detailed construction drawings would then be completed between January and March 2027, allowing the township to tender the project for possible spring construction.
Aplin & Martin has completed work for the Town of Perth, the Town of Smiths Falls and the Township of Montague, according to the staff report.
The township approved $35,000 for the project in its 2026 budget. The first portion of the contract will cost $29,505.31, including the township’s share of HST, leaving that portion $5,494.69 under budget.
The remaining $39,401.47 would be pre-approved in the 2027 budget. The contract does not include construction or the consultant’s construction-administration costs.
Holmes said an early calculation placed asphalt costs alone at approximately $60,000 to $70,000. Once drainage and stormwater work are included, he suggested construction could cost about $100,000, although a more reliable estimate will not be available until the design advances.
Coun. Debbie Hutchings said proper drainage will be important to prevent water from affecting neighbouring properties.
Coun. Sue Dunfield asked whether township public works employees might be able to undertake the construction. Holmes said staff could review the final plans and determine whether the work falls within the department’s capabilities.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom stressed that awarding the design contract does not automatically commit the next council to constructing the parking lot. Council will have further opportunities to review the design, adjust the project and decide whether to proceed with construction.
No members opposed the recommendation. A bylaw authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign the contract will return to council for approval.
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