Penetanguishene to commission downtown art project
The Town of Penetanguishene will be directing part of a $43,000 grant to brighten up the downtown.
At the request of Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau, council approved a motion to use $20,000 of the grant they received from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to commission and install multiple pieces of art within the Main Street corridor.
The proposal did see some opposition from a few councillors, who felt the entirety of the grant should be put toward debt.
“Our job is to have good roads, safe water and keep our taxes as low as possible, not worry about art. That is not our priority today,” said Coun. Doug Rawson.
In the end the motion passed 6-3, as the majority of council believed they needed to spruce up the downtown.
“I think we have a responsibility to our citizens far beyond just keeping the good roads and taxes down,” said Mayor Gerry Marshall. “We need to have a town that is vibrant, engaging and active and makes people proud to be a part of.”
An ad hoc committee, to be made up of public and council members, will debate exactly what the money is used for. The remaining $23,000 will go toward debt.