City Council to be briefed on possible changes to Clergue Park (8 photos)

SooToday readers will recall how last week, we were telling you how Paul Scornaienchi from the Downtown Association was suspecting City Hall was up to something at Clergue Park.

Scornaienchi had drawn that conclusion after an inexpensive land-based replacement for the scrapped Millennial Fountain somehow turned into a considerably expanded $450,000 proposal that might include splash pad, even a skating rink.

This week, City Council will learn more about what administrative staff have in mind for the downtown park.

Don McConnell, the city's director of planning and enterprise services, outlines three potential developments affecting Clergue Park, including an expansion at Art Gallery of Algoma and possible changes to the park's outdoor sculpture garden.

The following is from McConnell's written report to City Council:

1. The fountain - "Both the design and cost of fountains vary greatly. The selected concept could also consider the possibility of including a lighting feature, splash pad or skating rink. Photographs of several examples are attached to this report."
2. Art gallery expansion - "An expansion to the Art Gallery of Algoma to create a permanent display space for works by the Group of Seven and the permanent collection has been discussed. This project is consistent with the downtown revitalization and place-based tourism infrastructure recommendations of the Community Adjustment Committee. A location for the expansion should be identified as part of determining the fountain location."
3. Outdoor sculpture garden - "The existing outdoor sculpture garden should be reviewed with the intent to retain and properly display selected pieces while allowing for future additions. Again, the size and location of the outdoor sculpture garden should be confirmed as part of determining the fountain location."

City staff are asking councilors to set up a committee to explore alternative options and prepare a recommendation for City Council next year.

"A public consultation process should be included to allow for conversations with the art gallery, library, Downtown Association, Rotary Club, other user groups and the general public," McConnell recommends.

Installation of the new fountain would not happen until 2019.

McConnell says city staff have no experience with the design or costing of fountains.

He's asking that $40,000 be set aside for consulting assistance.

Tuesday's City Council meeting will be livestreamed by SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.