in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 23, 2021
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — The Township of Chatsworth is getting a beauty makeover thanks to money received from the Ontario MainStreet Funding Program in 2018. Last July, it was determined that the funding would be used for Streetscaping improvements including street furniture purchased from Michaels Stabling Developments (MSD) in Williamsford. Colourful flower planters, benches and waste receptacles will be hitting the streets and put on full display this summer.
The local, 20 year-old stabling manufacturer creates high performance, low maintenance stables and gates but has introduced an exclusive line of park benches, picnic tables, bike racks and more, to their product catalogue. Using galvanized framing and white cedar lumber, the outdoor furniture is built to last.
Flower arrangements have also been sourced locally. Grange Hollow Gardens and Nursery in Desboro have provided flower arrangements for the planters. The local family-owned and operated nursery promotes gardening in Grey and Bruce counties using natural methods. A frequent vendor at the Owen Sound Farmers' Market, they provide annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs grown in their greenhouses within the Township.
The new street furniture is colour-coordinated with the Township's Logo Colour Guide, using blue and green and all benches meet accessibility design standards — an important consideration for municipal assets. The planters and waste receptacles will be easily managed by recreation staff, with garbage bags removable from the side of the receptacle box. Benches will be placed in suitable locations in Chatsworth, Williamsford, Desboro, Walters Falls, Keady, Holland Centre and Berkeley. Each bench will be accompanied by at least one planter and one waste receptacle in each of these locations.
24 units in total — benches, planters and waste receptacles — were purchased at an approximate cost of $44,000. Last year, Chatsworth Council also improved funding for gateway signage in main street areas.
A recent reveal of the first manufactured planters was presented this week on Facebook. "We are so excited to display our new and colourful street furniture manufactured locally," said a June 18 post. Judging by the social media reaction so far, residents are giving the initiative a big thumbs-up and are particularly fond of the locally-sourced aspect of this project.
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