The City of Kitchener looks to spend millions for 'the public event space in the city.'
Carl Zehr Square needs $4.5 million in essential repairs
Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener is in need of some major repairs and a new look as it approaches its 25th year of bringing residents together.
The majority of work is essential. That includes surfacing concrete, drains, and the parking garage structure, which will cost about $4.5 million. If they pay for a new stage, more tables and chairs with canopies and a new multi-use fountain add another $2.6 million.
The city now needs to decide where to get the money to pay for the multi-year project. City staff is being encouraged to look at opportunities for grant programs from the provincial or federal governments and explore sponsorships as well.
'The public event space of the city'
The square has played a role in the victories of the region, as well as protests, parties and vigils.
Lynda Stewart, the interim Facilities Manager with the City of Kitchener says the city wants the square to be what it is but make it better.
"It's the public event space of the city," said Stewart.
"It's the place where we come together to celebrate events that we have annually or to commemorate if something happens worldwide or more locally. It's a place for people to connect and to have that social interaction."
Essential work and upgrades
The city has repaired and maintained the site since it opened in 1993 but Lynda Stewart says it's at the point where it's at the end of its life and time to replace it.
"There is work that is absolutely essential that gets done, and that amounts to 4.5 million dollars of that," Stewart said.
"Can we include upgrades that make the square more functional for events and activities that are taking place how we're using it today and for the larger size events that we're seeing now and the growth of events. And that's what the additional cost is."
The additional costs would include spending on a repurposed fountain and the stage.
Stewart says people appreciate the fountain in the summer months and the skating rink in the winter. The city wants to include a fountain that is more adaptable and can quickly be drained to use the space.
The stage may be turned on a 45 degree angle and include an accessible ramp to easily deliver equipment and a canopy to provide shade.
