Kincardine gives conditional approval to zip-line at Kincardine Reunion

Kincardine council has given conditional approval to a proposal by the Kincardine Reunion committee to have a zip-line, running from Queen's Look-out to Rotary Park, during the reunion, slated for Aug. 2-6, 2018.

Clerk Donna MacDougall brought the proposal forward in committee-of-the-whole, Dec. 20, and said the staff recommendation was to support the plan for the zip-line, pending the organizer meeting the requirements set out by municipal staff.

Since this is the first request to use municipal property for this type of event, MacDougall said that staff felt it prudent to secure council input before either the municipality or the reunion committee put any funds toward organizing the zip-line.

There are a number of factors to be confirmed/resolved before municipal approval should be given, said MacDougall, including: detailed operating procedures of the zip-line; Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority comments; proof of insurance from the zip-line company; municipality named as an additional insured on the reunion's insurance; waiver and indemnification; additional details on the deck and other structure/materials; and restoration of the parks if any damage is done to them.

Councillor Maureen Couture said the event sounds exciting.

“It's safe and fun and I support it 100 per cent,” she said. “I trust staff to sort out the details with the reunion committee.”

“I agree with option one,” said deputy mayor Jacqueline Faubert. “There is no staff report needed on this.”

“It will be very exciting,” said mayor Anne Eadie.

“I would offer an invitation for the mayor to take the first trip over,” said Rick Clarke of the reunion committee.

“I might have the deputy mayor take my place,” said Eadie.

Committee-of-the-whole agreed it is supportive of the zip-line as part of the Kincardine Reunion, pending the organizer meeting the requirements set out by municipal staff.

That was later approved by council.