Huntsville Council postpones the design approval for the Unity Square Project
Huntsville Council postponed approving the design for the Unity Square Project, in the January 27, 2025, meeting.
According to the December staff report, Council approved the concept for this community space at King Street and Dara Howell Way that supports “inclusivity, celebrates diverse communities, and educates visitors about important local and cultural values.”
It describes the design as “a pie-shaped layout with four distinct sections, each celebrating members of our community, with a central crosswalk running through the middle to tie the space together.”
It adds that each section of the pie will represent the 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous culture, veterans, and community diversity that “looks to bring people together in a harmonious, inclusive space.”
Staff were directed to work with Councillor Scott Morrison and Helena Renwick, Muskoka Pride, and Hope Arises Project, and the Royal Canadian Legion on the design.
The report also indicated that the project would cost approximately $4,000, from the approved $5,000, and will be funded through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).
Staff were also directed to accept community donations to cover installation costs.
The design has since been developed and staff recommended Council approval in order to move forward with the implementation phase in today’s meeting, however, Council was also requested to postpone the decision.
Councillor, Dione Schumacher, said that the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) intended to provide their input about the project design in today’s meeting, however, it didn’t work out in time.
She said the AAC will discuss potential accessibility aspects to the project in their meeting tomorrow and will provide their input about including components to the design in the Council meeting on February 24th.
Council agreed to postpone their decision until the next meeting in favour of reviewing the design as a more complete concept.
