Norfolk sets new benchmark in Port Dover
Private funding to maintain 70 benches dries up
Article content
PORT DOVER – The status of 70 benches on the west pier in Port Dover and along the Harbour Street waterfront has prompted a review of Norfolk County’s management of these public amenities.
Port Dover Coun. Amy Martin brought the matter to the attention of Norfolk council this week after learning that private funding for the care and upkeep of the benches has dried up.
The benches in Port Dover were privately sponsored over the years in memory of former community members, many of whom worked in the commercial fishing industry. A few benches acknowledge fishing tugs based in Port Dover or former institutions such as Port Dover Composite School.
Over the years, service clubs and the Port Dover Foundation have contributed money toward the care and upkeep of the benches. Martin said the Port Dover Foundation has spent as much as $5,000 a year but no longer has the resources to do so.
“They have contacted family members for additional income for repairs but there doesn’t appear to be any,” Martin said. “This is unique because the land is not owned by Norfolk – they are federally-owned.”
Council agreed with Martin that benches in outdoor settings serve a tourism and economic development function. Martin said the benches are in good repair, but council set aside $5,000 for 2022 in case upgrades are needed.
Council also directed staff to review county policy on exterior benches to ensure it is consistent from community to community. Delhi Coun. Mike Columbus welcomes this. He noted that the Delhi Business Improvement Area is responsible for benches in downtown Delhi and pays to repair or replace them when they are vandalized or hit by vehicles. Once a consistent policy is in place, Columbus looks forward to all wards being treated “fairly and equally” in this area.
Martin said the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is amenable to Norfolk County assuming responsibility for the benches in Port Dover. However, she said the federal agency doesn’t want the municipality adding new ones. Council directed staff to secure DFO’s permission to service the benches when needed.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.