Wellington County councillors rejected spending taxpayers’ money for the purchase of a building to house a Guelph youth centre.
The vote was one more twist in relations that have been tense between the city and the county after a large turnover on both councils after the 2003 election. Several agreements between them have been under fire, from both sides.
The entire process at county council, though, provided confusion. First, council went into closed session during the administration, finance, and personnel committee. When it came out of that closed session, Warden John Green explained the issues discussed and one of them was the county rejecting the purchase of a building for the city.
County councillor Gord Tosh is the chairman of the joint county and city social services committee, and he later presented the minutes of the May 14 meeting. Those minutes noted that the committee also went into a closed session to discuss the purchase or sale of land.
But the next part of those minutes stated the committee re-opened its meeting and “did not discuss any matter during the in-camera session.”
Those minutes also added, “The City of Guelph and the County of Wellington will make arrangements to discuss the opening of a youth shelter. An update will be brought back to the committee at the June meeting.”
Tosh explained that city council had passed a motion stating it expects the county to buy the building for the shelter.
Tosh said there had been some discussion about the county paying by the day for the use of the shelter by county residents. He added there was some talk about adding the shelter to social housing, with the city paying 75% and the county 25%.
But, Tosh said, “The city expects us to approve” the purchase of the building by the county. “We need a motion to provide the building for this youth centre.”
Councillor Lynda White wondered if it was even proper to discuss the second part of the minutes, given that no decision had been made, and more information was supposed to be coming back to the committee in June.
But Warden John Green said that section of the report is part of the minutes, and councillors could speak to it.
White promptly said she had read a “Guelph letter” that was not part of the agenda package, and, “I’m not prepared at this time to purchase any kind of building until we get more information.”
White said she had received emails from residents in the Centre Wellington portion of her riding who are concerned about the county paying for a city facility.
“They prefer a per diem cost,” White said.
Councillor Jean Innes wondered if a building is funded through the social housing program, would both places share the cost.
Director of Social Services Kim Warner said it could be under the Ontario Works program. He said it also could be run under social housing.
Tosh again pointed out that if it is funded under social housing, the split is 75:25 for the city and county.
He said the youth project could operate the same way as Michael House, at “so many dollars a day and professional care given so you are safe.”
Michael House is non-denominational, not-for-profit agency based in Guelph, dedicated to providing housing and services to young pregnant women who do not have a supportive environment during their pregnancy and early post-partum period.
Councillor Lou Maieron agreed with White, and said the youth centre could function “like the Terrace,” where Guelph pays so much per day.
That issue hit a nerve with some, though. Guelph has been seeking permission from the province to have its own seniors’ home, and has been refused permission. Meanwhile, county councillors are aware the city owes a considerable sum of money to the county for that per diem service, and the two are arguing about the payments.
There are other issues between the two neighbours. The county gave the city control over land ambulance when it was formed several years ago, and then attempted to get control back when it disagreed on the city’s ambulance proposals. That plan, too, was rejected by the province.
As well, the city has asked for arbitration in its share of social service costs, believing it is paying far more than it should.
Councillor Chris White pointed out that in Centre Wellington there already are some youth services provided in Fergus through the youth centre, The Door.
But Tosh said that is not a shelter, which is what Guelph is seeking. County councillor and Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj agreed, saying the door has “no overnight accommodations.”
When council considered the purchase, councillor Carl Hall asked, “What about a lease? We shouldn’t be the biggest landowner” in Guelph.
Green said there is “a particular building available. That’s the reason for the proposal.”
Maieron said he would like the vote to be done in open council. Tosh, too, said he “wants public discussion so we know when we go back to committee.”
McKay asked if the county’s role will be one of administration. Warner told her that would be done jointly, by Guelph and Wellington.
White explained that the city proposes “the county puts out the money, and then Guelph and Wellington share the costs. The full cost [of the building] comes from us.”
Tosh said Wellington can buy and own the building.
Hall said, “So it’s not out of social services? We’re paying for the building. That’s the concern.” Maieron asked if it is the county’s duty as a social service provided to buy a youth centre. Green replied, “No.”
When the vote was called, only Tosh and McKay were in favour, and the motion to buy the building was defeated. Councillors Rod Finnie, Brad Whitcombe, and Bob Wilson were absent.
