Kincardine Council has heard from a local resident who wants to build a completely new arts and convention facility in the downtown area, on the site of the existing town hall.
Local businessman Bryan Walden wants to see a completely new facility called the Penetangore Centre built on the site of the existing old town hall.
Council recently applied for a federal grant with the hope of restoring the building to its original 1800’s appearance.
Walden says a completely new facility will bring more tax revenue to the municipality and help attract more new residents, related business development, and health care professionals.
Walden doesn’t agree with council’s hope of receiving federal money to restore the old building.
He says they’ll continue to spend money on a deficient facility instead of having one that meets today’s needs and could serve the community for the next 100 years.
Mayor Larry Kraemer is not keen on the idea of tearing down the historic town hall and making changes to nearby Victoria Park.
He says what Walden is proposing looks beautiful, but the location would be “contentious as all get out” because of the existing building’s historical value.
Kraemer says he still hasn’t seen a budget on how much the facility would cost, and says it would be a lot more than the one million dollars currently in the arts centre reserve fund.
Deputy Mayor Laura Haight hopes the Community Plan process that is getting underway leads to a plan for a new multi-purpose arts and convention facility, but she doesn’t want to see it happen at the sacrifice of a heritage building.
Although it has a historic position in the community, the old town hall does not have official heritage designation.
Councillor Guy Anderson says he doesn’t want any more money to be spent on the existing building.
Councillor Marsha Leggett even suggests it should be sold.
Walden does not want the Penetangore Centre to cost taxpayers any money.
He says the provincial and federal governments put more money into cultural facilities in larger cities and it’s time they did the same in small towns.
Walden wants to develop a business plan for the Penetangore Centre.
He won’t name any of the other individuals and organizations that are involved with his idea.
A committee will be looking at Walden’s suggestion further.