New snowflakes to light up the busy cores of Essex and Harrow could cost more than $50, 000, according to town staff. A report headed to Essex council on Tuesday night outlines the deteriorating state of the popular Christmas decorations, hung during the holiday season. Mayor Sherry Bondy says it’s become a “pet peeve” to drive through their busy cores and notice burnt out decorations. “When you drive through, it is kind of annoying to see, like, you know, one-third not working,” Bondy said. According to staff, there are about 23 older-style decorations in Essex Centre, and 18 in Harrow. Major wear and tear have made them difficult to maintain, and staff spend approximately $4,000 to repair frames, change plug connections and replace burn-out lights. To replace all the lights will cost between $41,800 and $53,200, dependent on whether the town purchases full snowflake decorations, or the half snowflake design. Because it is “a lot of money,” Bondy notes they could look at ways to avoid putting the cost pressures on the municipal budget. “So, I think we have to think out of the box and look at possible fundraisers, you know, naming rights,” she said. “My phone has been busy with local contractors now reaching out saying I could do it for cheaper than what’s listed in the report. So, I actually think it’s going to be a pretty lively discussion because the community is really involved.” New decorations were recently bought by the BIA to hang along Talbot Street from Cameron to Arthur avenues and will continue to be used each season, the report noted. Due to the aging street light infrastructure used with the older-style decorations, staff has recommended those snowflakes be discontinued until the infrastructure is replaced. “So, there are plans to extend the streetscape area in both directions. So then at that point we would look at bringing snowflakes back in those areas,” Bondy explained. Staff will present the report to town council on Tuesday; however, they are not looking for a financial commitment to purchase new decorations.
