They are unsure if it will be made out of wood or metal, but Chase council has decided, whatever the end result, it will be red.
Council decided Tuesday, Feb. 12, that they cannot ignore what the public wants – and the public wants a red wharf.
Since the demolition of the old wharf began last Tuesday, many residents have begun to talk about what the new wharf will look like. One of the ideas proposed was that the railing be made of wood and stained to match the bandshell. However, some residents are not in favour. Instead, they wish to stay true to their roots and bring back the traditional red that was displayed so prominently on the old wharf.
Council discussed the possibility of painting the wooden railing red, but the concern of maintenance continued to arise. Not only would it need to be recoated, but weather and birds could damage the paint.
The idea for the wooden railing was initially made after some people expressed concern about the wharf having too much of a metal look to it.
The other reason was that there had been a chance the Adam’s Lake Mill might donate wood that could be used for the project. However, the mill has since discovered it cannot cut the size of wood required.
If the village was to change the railing from wood to metal, it could be powder-coated red. This would require less maintenance, but the installation of the metal railing would require plan alterations and would likely cost more.
Coun. Rod Crowe pointed out that if the village went that route, money would be saved in the long run based on maintenance fees.
It was also brought up that work may have already proceeded too far down the wooden path to turn back.
Village staff explained to council that an order had already been placed for the wood required to make the railings and, depending on whether the company has begun to cut the wood already, it might be too late to change the plan.
While council did not come to a conclusion about what the railing should be made of, they did decide what colour it should be.
Mayor Ron Anderson laughed, saying it is more than obvious what the locals want. Some have even written letters to council requesting that their beloved red make its way onto the new wharf.