The Seaway Kiwanis Club is focusing on what it would like to do next, as the Children's Animal Farm in Canatara Park marks its 60th anniversary in 2024.
Member Ken Machan made a request to Sarnia council on Monday, after highlighting several projects from the past 17 years, that the club has covered both capital and equipment costs of.
"The buildings we build are donated to the city and are city owned assets," Machan explained. "There is a new master plan to be done for Canatara Park and we have been assured that we are going to be a part of the discussions for changes and improvements. We ask that the storage building for Seaway Kiwanis be approved and included in this master plan."
Machan said they could use the building sooner, rather than later.
"Seaway Kiwanis would pay 100 per cent of the costs to build this building, but we do need it to be easily accessible to the park for events," he said.
Machan said the club would also like to partner with the city again on capital and equipment needs.
"Yes, we have been covering these costs without the need for taxpayer money, however every dollar that we put into the farm is one less dollar going to the many needy charities in the city," Machan said.
He pointed out that, despite what some may think, the club has never been responsible for the maintenance of the property or the grounds.
"We would like to see ongoing maintenance become a priority for the farm and campus," he said to council and city staff.
Machan said the animal farm attracts over 1,000 visitors per day during the summer months and is one of the top tourist attractions in the city hosting many events.
"The farm is frequently used by local schools for education programs and agriculture in the classroom. Even more impressive is that the farm and campus are completely free and have been since day one," said Machan.
Chief Administrative Officer Chris Carter said staff could bundle all of the ideas together and report back, with an update on the Canatara Master Plan as well, at council's next meeting, March 11.
The direction was approved unanimously.
