Visitors to the Cambridge Farmers' Market could have a place to grab a quick drink or refill their water bottles next spring.
Staff is recommending the city move ahead with a recommendation to install a public drinking fountain downtown, six months after Coun. Scott Hamilton suggested the amenity upgrade.
Considered a pilot project that would inform future drinking fountain installations in each of the city's core areas, the first one for downtown Galt would feature a bottle refill station and pet friendly drinking fountain.
It would cost an estimated $15,000 for the fountain itself and $15,000 to install it in Market Square.
The Cambridge Farmers' Market has been providing drinking water to visitors and their pets for several years during operating hours and the market advisory committee is supportive of the idea of converting its outdoor water tap into a public drinking fountain, the staff report says.
The move would also benefit the market in its goal to being named an "Explore Waterloo Region Bike Friendly Business" destination by the organization Ontario By Bike.
Since the market area has security and is under 24-hour security camera surveillance, it was deemed an appropriate location for the fountain which some councillors said could be a target of vandalism.
Costs associated with the project will come from the city's 2023 Community Development operating budget.
Should council agree to the placemaking project, staff say it would follow measures taken by other cities to reintroduce free, safe, access to fresh water in response to an increase in the number of heat waves and to reduce reliance on single use plastics.
