Rotary Club of Powell River is proposing to build a gazebo at Palm Beach Regional Park and the qathet Regional District (qRD) board will consider allowing the construction.
At the November 10 committee of the whole meeting, directors considered a recommendation that the board approve the Rotary construction of a covered shelter at the park.
According to a staff report, the Rotary club reached out to qRD to donate an open-air gazebo-style structure. The club would donate all materials, labour and equipment for this project, with an estimated value of $24,000.
“Palm Beach is one of the qRD’s most visited parks and has the highest number of special event permits,” the report stated. “This structure will be a welcome addition to the park, protection from the elements, and setting up as a wonderful location for the many weddings held at Palm Beach each year.
“The structure will be located approximately 25 metres from the high water line and to the north side of the park. This will not interfere with the sightlines from the park entrance, band shell or the open field.”
Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander, in whose electoral area the park is situated, said he approves of the construction.
“It’s a very busy park down there,” said Brander. “It will get a heck of a lot of use. I’ve spoken to [qRD manager of operational services] Patrick Devereaux about where Rotary plans on locating the gazebo and I think it’s going to be great. I thank Rotary for coming up with the idea.”
Electoral Area D director and committee chair Sandy McCormick said she agreed and that all parks need gazebos and structures of this sort.
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said it is very generous of the Rotary club. He said the $850 per year in operating and maintenance costs for qRD is a good deal for getting a free structure such as this. He asked if the expenditure, if the gazebo is approved, would be added onto the parks budget next year.
Devereaux said that is the case.
City director Cindy Elliott said she wanted to express thanks to the Rotary club because it is an extremely generous project.
“I know there are a lot of events out there that will be enhanced by this gazebo,” added Elliott.
The committee voted unanimously to send the matter to the regional board for consideration.
