Devco Construction has offered to donate its gazebo in McKergow Meadows Park to the municipality, which administration is recommending council approve.

If council agrees to that, the district would issue an official donation receipt for the cost of the gazebo and assume all rights and obligations of ownership.

“Accepting the donation and assuming ownership of the gazebo would require the district to add the structure to its asset register and maintain it for the remainder of its service life,” a staff report from financial administration stated.

The report said Acera Insurance suggested insuring the gazebo is likely not necessary, as the risk of fire or flood damage is limited, plus there is a $10,000 deductible, in which case any damage below this amount would not trigger a claim.

“The greatest risk to the structure would come from vandalism, which is also unlikely to be an insurable event,” the report said.

Coldstream would be insured for liability through the Municipal Insurance Association.

Not accepting the donation could result in confusion, according to district staff, as people would likely contact the district for issues such as vandalism and maintenance.

“The district would need to determine how to refer these people elsewhere. Should the gazebo fall into a state of disrepair, become unsightly, or need to be replaced, it may be difficult to determine how this is addressed and what, if any, enforcement mechanisms exist,” district staff stated.

When the gazebo reaches the end of its service life, perhaps in 15 to 25 years, the district may be expected to replace the structure, and the cost could be as much as $200,000, according to the report.

Devco had an agreement with Coldstream to construct the structure in the park in Middleton Mountain which was completed in June 2023.

Last August some residents in that area were concerned the gazebo would destroy the park’s naturality, and would result in more visitors, creating noise and garbage issues.

Council will discuss whether to accept the donated gazebo at its meeting Monday, Feb. 26.

by Pete McIntyre

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