A proposal to lease Mount Forest’s old arena could soon see its congregation shift from hockey moms to church ladies.
Wellington North councillors recently agreed in principle to a proposal from Victory Church to lease the entire old arena. The decision followed an in-camera meeting with church representatives.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said now the two parties will enter into negotiations.
The idea was opposed by councillor Ross Chaulk, who is concerned about what it would cost the municipality.
Broomhead said the representatives came to council earlier that night to determine if there is interest by council.
Chaulk remained concerned with how much would be spent on the old arena.
The cost of repair is one reason why council chose to replace the aging community centre rather than put the money into repairs.
Chaulk noted that not too long ago another church in Mount Forest purchased the old Mount Forest Public School for conversion into a church and community centre for somewhere between $300,000 to $400,000. He considered the current proposal for the old arena as “basically giving it away.”
Councillor Dan Yake said this is the first solid letter of interest council had received. He noted other community groups had expressed interest, but nothing solid was developed.
He said church members have talked with community groups and are trying to develop a plan that will work.
Yake said if tax dollars are needed to support the proposal, he is opposed. But he does favour developing a plan that could work.
Broomhead added church representatives have talked about doing renovations at their own expense.
Mason suspected one of the reasons behind the move is the lease on the property that Victory Church now uses expires next year.
“Let’s be up front,” Chaulk said, “They did not say they would not be asking for money.”
Yake said before anything happens there will have to be a concrete proposal at council.
