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Sioux Lookout, ON – After almost three years, residents and visitors to Sioux Lookout can once again enjoy summer days at the brand new Farlinger Park – also known as Town Beach.
Municipal CAO, Michelle Larose said, “We’re very excited for the reopening of the park and beach. While it definitely took longer than expected, due to the pandemic and the issues it caused, we’re very happy with the end results and think everyone else will be too.”
The multi-million dollar waterfront development began with the closure of Farlinger Park back in September of 2019. It included the construction of a boardwalk, playground, and pavilion area, an administration building with washrooms and an office space for staff use, a stage building, and a kayak kiosk that can store kayaks and other water equipment which will be available as rentals in the future. Two spaces were included for food trucks with access to hydro, water, and sewer services. An exterior shower was also installed, along with ramps down to the beach. Plus, there is a new covered pavilion area on a concrete slab as a sheltered outdoor space.
Mayor Doug Lawrance said, “A lot of work has taken place at our Town Beach over the last few years, but there is still a bit more to go to finish things off. Some electrical work remains, as does putting the roof on the pavilion and the sun/wind break on the side of the stage. Even with without those finishing touches, the new Farlinger Park is really a place we can once again enjoy and be proud to welcome visitors to.”
CAO Michelle Larose added, “The completion of this project offers the Municipality some great new recreational opportunities and revenue streams like waterfront kayak rentals. It will have been worth the wait.”
Another important addition that isn’t immediately apparent to visitors to Farlinger Park/Town Beach is the bio-sparge system that was installed. This state-of-the-art system is remotely monitored by an engineering firm on behalf of CN Rail. Monitoring wells are located throughout the site and water samples are taken at regular intervals to ensure the safety of everyone using the area.
Costs to date on the waterfront development are under 3.5 million dollars, including a Council-approved $600,000 overrun. The cost overrun is being funded from the Municipality’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
The project expenses break down as follows:
Funding received $1,751,473.00
Municipal Accommodation Tax $601,201.00
Utilities Reserve $189,486.00
Long-term Debt $927,210.68
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Expenses (To Date) $3,469,370.68
These numbers are not final, as we are still waiting on final invoices to submit claims and receive the balance of Provincial and Federal funding.
The construction fences were removed in time for Canada Day celebrations, making it available to the public for the first time in almost three years. The official grand re-opening will take place at a ceremony in Farlinger Park on a date to be announced.
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For more information, please contact:
Brian P. MacKinnon, Manager of Corporate Services/Municipal Clerk
807-738-2170 or [email protected]
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