Princeton is moving ahead with community improvements which will cost just over $800,000.
At a special meeting last month, council approved spending for specific projects funded primarily through a $750,000 federal revitalization grant announced in 2021.
That grant required a $150,000 commitment from the town, for a total ammenity investment of $900,000.
The town will spend $186,000 on a band-shell for the developing Bridge Street outdoor plaza.
In a report, economic development coordinator Gary Schatz indicated the structure will be timber-based.
Sitka Log Homes, which renovated the visitors centre, was selected to provide a quote.
Of the total cost, only $80,000 will be drawn from the revitalization fund, with $50,000 coming from the Salvation Army and $56,000 being a Red Cross donation.
Schatz says the charitable funds were secured by the municipality following the 2021 floods.
“Both donations were for the purpose of constructing a community bandshell,” the report reads.
The town will also spend $196,000 to purchase material and install a boardwalk in front of the visitors’ centre and leading to the entrance way. The boardwalk will be constructed from durable, modified wood called Kebony, and is part of the town’s overall downtown revitalization strategy, according to Schatz.
At the same meeting, councillors approved the construction of a new washroom facility at the municipally-owned RV park and campground – at a revised price.
A year ago, the building’s estimated cost was $275,000.
But due to inflation and a redesign, it now should ring in at $364,380, according to Schatz.
A $157,000 deposit was paid to Sitka Log Homes in April 2022, following a motion from council. The balance of the investment, $207,000, will be covered by the federal grant.
As well, there are new trash receptacles coming for Bridge Street and Vermilion Avenue, at a cost of $63,000.
Forty new trash cans will be ordered that will each feature custom panels, mounting hardware, a locking system and a hard canopy covering.
Related: Province announces $1.9 million grant for Princeton
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