The future of Kincardine’s old town hall — and where to locate a performing arts facility has been debated again.
Citizens and councillors have varying ideas on what should happen.
Councillors Guy Anderson and Kenneth Craig both think the old town hall — where the arts centre is currently located — is beyond repair and should be torn down.
But Councillor Ron Hewitt says since they have government funding — the building should be restored.
Hewitt says he doesn’t favour the idea of a new facility on the same site because the municipality would still have to pay it’s share of the cost.
Local businessman Bryan Walden is spearheading a plan for what he calls the Penetangore Centre — a multipurpose arts and convention facility that he would like to see located on Queen Street site of the old town hall.
Council gave Walden permission to work with municipal staff and explore the possibility of applying for another grant that is available for not-for-profit arts groups wanting to develop new facilities.
The deadline for that is August 18th.
Walden says if approved — they would have to use the money by April 1st, 2011 — so that means tenders would have to go out during the winter.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says there’s nothing wrong with giving Walden and his supporters the chance to explore the feasibility of their plan.
But Kraemer doesn’t believe there is support on council for having a new facility located at the site of the town hall by Victoria Park.
But, Walden says that is the best place because the downtown lakeview location will attract revenue, new investment and new professionals — like doctors.
Councillor Marsha Leggett says a new arts centre won’t be able to sustain itself financially, and she wants to hear from taxpayers about what they think of having to foot some of the bills for it.
Walden’s plan and grant application will come back to council for discussion again on August 12th.