LAURIE WEIR
Perth town council tackled a range of issues during its Jan. 14 committee of the whole meeting, including the approval of a new fire truck and several grant application submissions. These decisions will proceed to a future council meeting for final approval.
Fire Department to receive custom-built pumper
Council approved Fire Chief Trevor Choffe’s request to purchase a custom-built pumper apparatus for the Perth Fire Department. The 2024 Dependable KME top-mount pumper, built on a Panther chassis, will cost just over $952,000, plus HST. Funding for the truck was included in the 2025 municipal budget.
Parking system agreement extended
The town extended its agreement with Tomahawk Technologies for its parking management system. The three-year term includes a licensing and servicing fee of $7,400, plus a handheld device license fee of $1,075 per unit for two units, totaling $9,550 annually. This represents an approximate 2.33% increase over the previous rate.
Grant applications target seniors and tourism
Seniors Community Grant reapplication
Cathy McNally, director of community services, received approval to reapply for up to $25,000 in funding through the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s Seniors Community Grant Program. If successful, the funds will support a pilot project to organize pop-up social hours in areas with a high seniors’ population, such as neighbourhoods, condos, and apartment complexes.
“The goal is to bring seniors together within their communities to connect socially and learn about other community services,” McNally said. She noted that a group of older adult volunteers would help identify target areas across town.
Stewart Park Festival funding
Staff also gained approval to submit a grant application for up to $25,000 through the Experience Ontario 2025 Program. The funds would partially cover entertainment costs for the 2025 Stewart Park Festival. Similar funding was secured last year, and staff hope to replicate that success to enhance tourism and community engagement.
Community Centre mezzanine renovation
An application will be submitted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Fund for up to $200,000 to retrofit the community centre’s second floor, which is currently unusable due to a lack of egress. The renovation would extend the facility’s usability for at least two decades.
