PUSLINCH – The township is hoping to replace a recently destroyed storage shed in time for next year's soccer season.
At a Puslinch council meeting Wednesday morning, Puslinch Minor Soccer Club (PMSC) President Bruce Joy provided his annual update on the PMSC before asking to be involved in the design of the new shed at Badenoch Soccer Field, suggesting an expanded facility with an overhang for weather protection and external lighting.
According to Joy, a larger, lit facility would double the shed's capacity and the number of games they can host annually while reducing annual field rental costs.
Two weeks ago, the township-owned shed burned to the ground, destroying $25,000 worth of equipment between 14 teams. PMSC was uninsured for the shed's contents and the group is currently working towards securing tenant insurance for all storage facilities.
Joy said PMSC's remaining equipment is currently split between a small shed at the Puslinch Community Centre and his home garage.
Replacing the shed with metal siding, a metal roof, no upgrades and utilizing the existing concrete pad will cost $18,000 said director of public works, parks and facilities Mike Fowler at the meeting.
When asked whether the shed will be replaced in time for next season, CAO Courtenay Hoytfox confirmed builders are secured for the project and the shed can be constructed this fall or into the winter.
"$18,000 is a lot of money but it also gets you guys set up for playing soccer in the spring," said Mayor James Seeley, at the meeting.
While supportive of replacing the shed, Coun. John Sepulis motioned to engage the community and investigate opportunities for in-kind construction support before earmarking money in the budget.
Staff will return with a report exploring in-kind donation options and formal costing at the Nov. 20 meeting.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
