News Leader News for March 13, 2007
TOWN PLANS AIRPORT UPGRADE
On the recommendation of the Airport Committee, Town Council has agreed to hire Avcon Consulting Ltd. to coordinate a grant application to Transportation Partnerships program.
The provincial government has set aside $10 million per year for improving airports such as the Princeton airport.
The grant money will be used for surveying, a fuel system, runway lighting, taxiway reflector, ramp floodlights, ramp enlargement, more fencing, and a modular trailer.
Council wants to fast track improvements to the airport but until the money is available, no work will begin.
COUNCIL AWARDS SEVEN YEAR GARBAGE DEAL
Town Council has awarded a seven year landfill contract to J-R Contracting at a rate of $158,075 per year.The Town called for bids on the landfill service and received a number of bids from a variety of companies.
Bids were reviewed on the basis of both qualifications to meet landfill regulations and on cost to the Town.
Bids ranged from nearly $3 million down to $149,000 per year on a five year contract.
Most bids were close to $1 million per year.
The initial bid from J-R Contracting was higher than finally agreed upon, but through negotiations, the Town agreed to extend the contract to seven years if J-R would reduce the cost to the Town.
MUSEUM ANNOUNCES PLANS
Following on the news that the Regional Library's Princeton Branch is to relocate to a new site Princeton and District Museum and Archives Society can reveal their proposed plans for an expanded and improved facility.When the Library moves premises it is proposed that long overdue renovations be carried out on the complete Museum/Library building. This will include electrical, heating and air-conditioning, flooring, washrooms including disabled facilities, and a staff room.
The internal general layout will be altered to include several major new innovations.
These will include sections dedicated to the Natural History, First Nations, an Underground Mine and a special room where florescent minerals of the Pollard Collection will feature.
In addition a new research room will be available for visitors to study requested archival material and have direct computer access to the Museums own data bases such as those relating to historic dates in Princeton's History, Cemetery records and records of Princeton residents dating back to 1900.
In preparing the new and detailed displays help and guidance will be sought from other area organizations, such as the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, to ensure accurate material and information is used.
Part of the reorganization of the Museum will include the upgrading of the Stable Block, including the restoration of the electricity supply, to enable a feature on Transport in Princeton over the years. This will be centered on the historic Welby stagecoach, but will also include the story of the two railways, the Kettle Valley (CP) and the Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern (GN) and their influence in Princeton's development.
Overall costs for building renovations and alterations, together with new and improved display facilities will be in the region of $300,000.
TOWN BUYS FORMER RESTAURANT
The Town of Princeton has purchased the former Goldion Restaurant as part of a plan to expand cultural services for Princeton residents. The $270,000 property located at 107 Vermilion Avenue currently houses the Crisis Assistance store and H & R Block. These tenants will remain in place. The restaurant section will be renovated for an expanded library at an estimated cost of $350,000. The Regional Library will rent the space from the Town.In making the announcement at the March 5 Town Council meeting, Mayor Randy McLean said, "This is a super location. It lends itself to the upgrading of our downtown."
This remark referred to ongoing plans to re-align Vermilion Avenue and create a new "town square" concept.
When the new library is established, the present library space will become part of Princeton Museum.
Mayor McLean stated, "I believe Princeton Museum is the anchor of our tourism."
Mayor McLean thanked Councillor Maria Sadegur for her "relentless search" for accommodation of an expanded library to facilitate a museum expansion.
The renovations at 107 Vermilion Avenue are scheduled to begin in 2008 with relocation of the library in late 2008 or early 2009. In 2008, Princeton Museum will mark its fiftieth anniversary, says Nick Mills, museum operations manager. He sees a busy couple of years ahead.
