Wiarton Willie’s house will be getting some renovations.
South Bruce Peninsula council heard a staff report Tuesday, explaining both town-owned ‘houses’ are in need of repair.
One of the houses is at the Ross Whicher Centre (the library building) and one is at the coal shed building (across the street by Dockside Willie’s).
Staff say inspections show the lower portion of the house at the Ross Whicher Centre beneath the steel framing has deteriorated and separated from the existing foundation. They say the current lower section is made of stone and has seen significant wear over time .
Staff looked at a few options including reconstructing the lower portion using stone that would closely match what’s there now, but that was pegged at over $11,000, and will still wear out over time.
They recommended instead using concrete block and mortar, which they say is a more cost-effective, long-term option that will will restore the integrity of the foundation area.
Council has approved the use of $6,000 from the Town’s festivals and events reserve to pursue the cheaper option.
Councillor Paul Deacon noted, “I think it’s good to do this update to ensure that the current Willie that we have, does have some top quality accommodation and definitely up tot date and safe environment for the groundhog to survive in.”
The latest Wiarton Willie passed away earlier this year, and the Town continues its search for a new Wiarton Willie.
Wiarton Willie is one of North America’s most famous groundhogs. He makes a prognostication every February 2nd on whether there will be an early spring or winter. His American counterpart Punxsutawney Phil also lives on a library property. Shubenacadie Sam lives in a provincial wildlife park in Nova Scotia and has a little barn entrance to her enclosure.