Trout Pond picnic shelter approved

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Sept. 23, Taber town council approved the go-ahead on a day-use picnic shelter at the Trout Pond. A picnic shelter has been in the site master plan but council needed to approve one of six concept options and their cost estimates.

 The administration obtained design options from the engineering consultants at MPE, and on Sept. 5, the recreation board unanimously agreed to recommend Option 6, a structure made of steel with a pony wall and reduced area for $148,000.

 The other five choices were:

Option 1: wood construction with pony wall = $218,000.

Option 2: wood construction with no pony wall = $202,000.

Option 3: steel construction with pony wall = $182,000.

Option 4: steel construction with no pony wall = $166,000.

Option 5: wood construction with pony wall and reduced size = $177,000.

 The reduced size option required a decrease in floor area and less material for the roof. Option 6 was the most cost-friendly choice and will be constructed to the west of the main parking lot and south of the playground. Though some members of the recreation board liked the natural look of a wood shelter, steel was chosen as the option that would be sturdier, easier to maintain, and more long-lasting. The addition of the pony wall adds an enclosed feel, and additional bench seating can be attached to the inner perimeter of it. When the board discussed a full size versus the reduced area option, they felt the smaller one would be sufficient to accommodate most events and thought it may be more advantageous to build additional smaller structures rather than a single large one.

 In addition, $241,591.32 remained from the William Ferguson donation for the Trout Pond, which could almost cover the cost of two shelters. Council received the information and had a brief discussion affirming the decision to proceed. Coun. Firth moved to direct the administration to proceed with Option 6 with funds not to exceed $148,000 from capital reserves. It was carried unanimously.