Alternative sites for the Perth Environmental Services Garage carried servicing costs of up to $5 million
At a special committee of the whole meeting June 9, Perth councillors received a detailed review of the proposed Environmental Services garage project as staff outlined other sites that had been considered and explained why the Sunset Boulevard location remains the preferred option.
Director of Community Services Cathy McNally walked council through the project’s history, alternative sites and environmental and operational concerns raised by residents.
The need for a new facility emerged after the second floor of the existing garage was deemed uninhabitable due to building code violations, forcing staff to relocate to temporary trailer offices serviced by a septic system, McNally explained. The aging garage, now more than 60 years old, also suffers from inadequate storage, poor ventilation, limited washroom facilities, insufficient fire separations and an outdoor vehicle wash area that creates winter operating challenges.
“Currently the 60-year-old-plus building has had a limited lifespan,” McNally said, noting staff have been exploring replacement options for several years.
The building was originally constructed by the Public Utilities Authority in the mid-1960s and reverted to the town nearly 40 years later.
McNally said the Sunset Boulevard property was selected because it is already home to Environmental Services operations, is municipally serviced and is owned by the town.
“It eliminates the need to relocate equipment, materials and staff to a new location,” she said.
The presentation also addressed concerns raised through public consultations, neighbourhood meetings and council discussions. Environmental safeguards, including source water protection, floodplain considerations, fuel storage and climate resilience measures, were reviewed. McNally noted the project remains subject to review by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, with engineering revisions currently being made in response to the authority’s comments.
Coun. Jim Boldt highlighted some of those safeguards, noting fuel storage would be located farther from the floodplain and water source, while new concrete bunkers would be used to prevent seepage from stored aggregates.
Staff also revisited a list of alternative locations, including a property on North Street, lands north of Highway 7, the industrial park, Craig Street, Darou Farm, Smith Drive and 16 Craig St. According to McNally, each of those sites presented significant challenges, including floodplain restrictions, contaminated soils, servicing costs estimated between $3 million and $5 million, the loss of future development lands, or conflicts with nearby residential and recreational uses.
McNally said staff believe the current site remains the most practical option, adding it would be “difficult to replicate elsewhere.”
Since 2023, the town has spent nearly $185,000 on trailer and septic rentals, along with about $80,000 for engineering work and needs assessments. The design is approximately 90 per cent complete and tender documents are ready to go.
McNally said delaying or relocating the project could result in additional engineering costs, construction inflation and continued expenses of about $5,000 per month for temporary facilities.
Calling it “the most difficult decision I’ve had to make since becoming a councillor,” Coun. Gary Waterfield said he would prefer a different location if a viable alternative existed. However, after weighing costs, contamination concerns and site limitations, he said he “reluctantly” supports the current location and noted the town is complying with all Rideau Valley Conservation Authority requirements.
“I’ve done my analysis and research. I reluctantly support building the environmental services shop at its current location. I believe it is in the best interest of the public good of our town,” Waterfield said.
Boldt said he believes the garage could be located in the industrial park, even if that meant using the last developable industrial lands. However, he said he would reserve judgment until cost projections are available following the tendering process.
Council unanimously received the review, allowing staff to proceed with tendering under authority granted by a 2025 council motion. Once bids are received, the project will return to council for cost approval before construction begins.
RELATED:
- Perth rethinking Environmental Services Shop location
- Residents raise questions about proposed Perth Public Works garage site
- Town of Perth to host open house on Environmental Services Shop Reconstruction Project
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