It’s about to become a lot easier to keep track of time on Main Street thanks to the Haliburton Rotary Club.
The club made a proposal to Dysart et al council to pay for a street clock to be installed in the downtown core of the village. Director of public works, Brian Nicholson thinks the clock will be a great addition to the town.
“I personally think it will be a bonus to the downtown core. I would recommend it,” he said.
The proposal was submitted by Rotary president Richard van Nood on behalf of the club, which believes the clock will fit into the current streetscape revitalization on Highland Street.
It will cost more than $20,000, which includes the clock, shipping and installation, all to be paid for by the club.
Additional costs include the electrical bill, which the club is hoping the township will help cover.
Standing at 11 feet tall, the model selected will have a stone base and be two-sided.
The club chose the Verdin clock company to produce the model and will likely have the Rotary logo incorporated on the face of the clock.
A built-in GPS automatically sets the clock at the correct time, according to the club’s letter.
“Our club plans to fundraise for about half the price of the clock through sponsorships. Sponsors will have their names engraved on plaques attached to the base of the clock as a testament to their support of our village,” said the club’s letter.
Remaining costs will be covered by the club.
Issues council will have to consider include possible locations for the clock, said Nicholson.
“The club wants it in the centre of town,” he said.
One ideal location would be in front of the Village Barn, said Deputy-reeve Bill Davis. “I think that’s the most logical place for it,” he said.
Another issue would be the distraction factor. “It’s a good idea but location is critical,” said Reeve Murray Fearrey.
Councillor Andrea Roberts, who is a member of the Rotary Club, said she thinks the clock will suit the village’s main street.
“I think it will be a showpiece,” she said.
Nicholson suggested including a time capsule at the base of the clock, which could be created with the help of local elementary school kids.
Similar to the Haliburton locomotive, the Rotary Club will cover ongoing maintenance fees associated with the clock.
Council passed a resolution to accept the proposal and agreed to cover the utility cost.