'A symbol for the township:' New Hamburg trade board eyeing waterwheel upgrade
A New Hamburg landmark may soon be getting a facelift.
The old wooden waterwheel at William Scott Park could be replaced with a steel one as the Board of Trade eyes an upgrade.
First built by the New Hamburg Trade Board in 1990, the waterwheel has started showing its age recently and even stopped rotating last year.
"It's around 30 years old, so it is past its life expectancy," said Joe Figliomeni, chair of the Board of Trade's Waterwheel Committee.
The board is proposing a design similar to the original, but the new steel one would generate power.
"It's not going to generate a lot, but if we could get the lights down in the park area lit, that would be great," Figliomeni said.
The group is also suggesting adding an educational component, such as a kiosk, to explain the history and importance of local milling operations.
Figliomeni estimates the cost of upgrading the waterwheel between $200,000 and $300,000.
Some New Hamburg residents who spoke to CTV News said they felt the price tag was too steep, but the trade board says it’s a worthwhile investment.
"We want to sort of capitalize on that and see if we can draw more tourists to the area," Figliomeni said.
For many, the structure is more than just a waterwheel, but an iconic emblem for the community.
"It's a symbol for the Township of Wilmot and New Hamburg in general," Figliomeni said.
The trade board says there will be a fundraising component involved to support the project, but only if the community is on board with the upgrade.
"It's got to be a community project, so we have to have community consensus," Figliomeni said.
The trade board is presenting its plans to council Monday and is asking for feedback from the public.
If approved, the project could start early in the new year with the new steel waterwheel spinning in the park by the end of next summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.