Past decisions by Prince Edward County council have left the current council with some tough decisions.
Councillors in Prince Edward County are being asked to make a decision in regards to the property at 2 Ross Street in Picton; the former Fire Hall and Old Town Hall.
The issue was dealt with at Shire Hall on Thursday during their Committee of the Whole meeting in a packed council chambers and council voted to defer the matter another eight months.
That decision led to one member of the public standing up and stating her displeasure with that decision. The outburst led to Chair Janice Maynard adjourning the meeting for a brief recess.
The motion would also see the Request for Proposals process be undertaken by staff.
An Expression of Interest process was opened in late May last year and two proposals were received.
Save Picton Town Hall Working Group -A Hall for All would maintain Municipal ownership; operate facility through Board of Management, continue to operate upper floor as Town Hall, renovate and operate lower level as office/commercial/retail space including an anchor tenant. Capital repairs funding requested from County, but not required for proposed use to move ahead. The group will access grants, tenant contributions and/or other funding for proposed leasehold improvements. A full operating cost recovery within 2-3 years (Appx. $55,000 annually).
Hymus Holdings Inc. owned by Michael David Hymus would acquire Property from Municipality for $525,000 plus a $250,000 donation to the Picton Library expansion. They would develop a 50-unit, pod-style hotel/hostel for entire property. The group would provide funding for Library to ensure displaced groups have alternative space. Some outdoor amenity spaces, including possibility of outdoor rink. Rates would be $30-$45/night per pod. The proposal is conditional upon planning and other approvals.
Staff recommended council approve the proposal from the Save Picton Town Hall Working Group.
Mayor Steve Ferguson says approving the recommendation shows faith in the community.
Councillor Bill Roberts apologized to council saying previous councils left this current council to do all the heavy lifting on this decision.
Many councillors were torn as to what to do with the property as it was decided the property would be sold to help cover some of the cost from the new fire hall.
Prince Edward County councillor Bill Roberts (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Director of Community Development & Strategic Initiatives Neil Carbone told council a recent market analysis hasn’t been done on the property, noting the last one was done in 2016.
Councillor Phil Prinzen described it as being the squirrel on the road that is always running back and forth because it can’t decide which side to go to, and it always ends up getting run over.
The motion to defer was tabled by Councillor Roberts and was approved.
Roberts said the EOI process was basically someone else telling council what council should do with the property.
The loss of public access space is one of the big concerns for those around the table as they cited the few spaces left in Picton for people and groups to gather.
Councillor Phil St. Jean noted the Elks Lodge is so overwhelmed it is booked three months in advance.
Councillor Kate McNaughton asked CAO James Hepburn if the current space at 2 Ross Street would continue to be available to the public while this process continues, to which Hepburn confirmed it would be.
The other issue with the property was the cost to the municipality. If council were to sell the property, the annual operating costs would be eliminated; however, costs associated with the provision of community space elsewhere in Picton to accommodate displaced groups cannot be ascertained stated the report.
The full report from Carbone can be found here.
