Fergus parkette getting facelift thanks to $55,000 donation

FERGUS – BT Corner, at the corner of Bridge and Queen streets in Fergus, is getting a facelift thanks to a donation from Bert and Marilyn Peel and commitment from the Fergus and District Horticultural Society.

Centre Wellington’s manger of parks Lucas Rogerson explained to council on June 15 that while the property is owned by the township, the horticultural society maintains the gardens and has wanted to spruce it up for a couple of years.

When the Peels came forward agreeing to pay for the upgrades, Rogerson came to council asking councillors to endorse the donation agreement and add the project to the staff workplan.

Creo Concepts Landscaping will be doing most of the work.

The project includes:

• replacement of stone dust with decorative paving stones;
• updated lighting fixtures;
• updated plantings;
• placement of armour stone around garden; and
• existing pavers, plants, and memorial stones are to remain.

The project is estimated to cost $55,492 and can be completed before the end of summer, Rogerson said.

Councillor Bronwynne Wilton hoped more seating could be added and councillor Kim Jefferson hoped a sculpture by artist David Cross that once stood in the parkette could be returned there, which Rogerson said he’d investigate.

Otherwise, councillors seemed delighted with the proposal and grateful to the Peels for the donation.