John Ross is willing to donate up to $200,000 for the construction of the John D. Ross Airport & Campground Building.
He made the offer at the October 2nd council meeting.
Ross explained that he is making the donation to top up the $350,000 South Dundas council has agreed to spend on a new building for the Iroquois Campground to up to $550,000.
With this donation, Ross gets the building he and many of the user groups had envisioned for the property rather than the basic building that the municipality was working towards.
With Ross’ contribution the building would go from the roughly 1,500 square foot building containing basic washrooms and showers, storage and a campground office to a 2,444 square foot building.
The new proposal from Ross, completed in consultation with the engineers looking after the project for the municipality, would include men’s and women’s washroom and shower, two accessible family washrooms and showers, a campground and tourism office, utility room storage rooms, a kitchen and a recreation room.
Ross said that he made the donation because he is committed to this community.
He does not wish to lead the project, but would like to help in the design phase and evaluation of the bids once the project goes to tender.
Municipal staff are consulting with their lawyer to ensure the donation can be accepted and that no laws regarding this council’s lame duck status are being contravened.
“A huge thank you to you,” said South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde in response to the offer. “You are a very generous person and I know the community appreciates it.”
