Wellington North Council is at odds on whether to sell the former Sacred Heart School here or hang onto it and continue renting it to the OPP.
The township purchased the property in 2010 for $192,500 and council has been grappling with the idea of making it surplus, selling it and putting the money into improving services or infrastructure.
At its Nov. 19 meeting, council was divided on the question of how to deal with it. Council has also considered taking over the property for municipal use as an office.
The division sparked considerable discussion, including calling on CAO Lori Heinbuch to clarify the agreement the township has with the OPP. The OPP use the building for training purposes and pay the township $19,900 each year for rent and operating costs. In a letter to council, OPP business financial bureau commander Andrew Eamer indicated the force is willing to sign an agreement up until 2016 to use the facility.
Council wants a commitment from the OPP to pay an estimated $50,000 next year to repair the roof. But Heinbuch was unclear about whether the current agreement stipulated OPP approval was needed prior to any work being done before the force would pay for the repairs.
“Unless the township is continuing the lease with them until 2016 they were not able to confirm the capital expenditures,” Heinbuch told council.
Councillor Dan Yake suggested the township retain ownership of the school, but consider selling off three lots adjacent to building.
That suggestion received no support from councillors.
A report from Heinbuch estimates council could get between $180,000 to $195,000 for the three lots. In the same report, Heinbuch indicated renting the building to the OPP for a five-year term could bring in $95,000. Another $50,000 to $75,000 could be paid by the OPP for repairs.
“If we’re going to sell the fridge to buy the groceries we had the opportunity to sell property over there to garner some money,” Yake said of his proposal to sell the properties that was defeated. “You passed on that.”
Councillor Sherry Burke acknowledged the rental agreement does bring in revenue for the township, but added if the agreement is terminated the school should be deemed surplus property and sold. “If they terminate us I would like to see the township declare it surplus within 60 days,” she said.
Councillor Andy Lennox, chairman of the township finance committee, wants the property sold.
Mayor Ray Tout also acknowledged the agreement with the OPP is a benefit. He said it was his understanding the agreement between the two parties includes the OPP paying capital expenses.
“We have a saleable piece of property with a lease,” the mayor said. “If it wasn’t for that tenant it is a dead piece of property.”
In his letter Eamer stated, “The loss of use of this building and property will have a detrimental effect on the ability of the OPP to train frontline officers. The OPP is mandated to provide training and re-qualify all its officers so that they are able to perform their assigned frontline duties effectively.
“Further, the loss would affect the OPP’s ability to utilize the gun range that is located within 10 minutes from the school site. This range is also an integral component of our training modules. If we are requested to relocate from the building to another site, the OPP will have to also consider relocating the gun range, potentially in a new community, to be closer to the alternate training centre.”
Council wants clarification on its agreement before making a final decision.
