It looks like Puslinch Township intends to continue its ownership of the Badenoch Community Centre.
On June 21, Puslinch councillors met with community centre board members Ken Tosh (chair) and Lois McLean about the township’s offer to sell the property to the board for $1 and provide a grant of $47,000 for the use of the centre over a five-year term.
“At the time, it seemed like something we should explore at a deeper level,” Tosh said. However, after receiving financial advice, he said, “it was clearly pointed out to us that with a small committee and very limited funds, we would only be able to maintain it for a short period of time.”
Tosh said “We are a small group of volunteers trying to preserve history by running the Badenoch Community Centre,” he said, adding the community board has done considerable work on the centre – at no cost to the township.
“We would like … the township to consider not selling the community centre as we would like to work with them to preserve it as per the current lease,” he said.
“We feel we have been excellent stewards of this unique township property.”
Tosh expressed admiration for those people who 50 years ago had the vision to turn the former school into a community centre “for the pleasure and enjoyment of future generations.”
Tosh stated this is the only remaining township school still owned by the municipality.
He added the centre is loved by many in the community, as illustrated by both the number of volunteer hours and the increased number of bookings.
McLean added that since 1965 there have only been three leases, with the most recent lease renegotiated in 2006 for a period to end in 2026.
“Since these leases were signed in good faith, we hope the township will honour this lease until 2026,” she said.
She understood there may be people in the township who question why council “would pour money into the little Badenoch schoolhouse.”
But McLean stated that in 1965 area residents agreed to have an extra fee on their taxes to pay for the community centre.
That arrangement lasted until the 1970s, when it was discontinued as council voted to provide an automatic yearly grant, which continued to 2016.
Councillor Susan Fielding agreed the centre is a “unique and wonderful place.” She said when council discussed changing the relationship, her big question was whether or not it would be sustainable.
“I certainly would like to talk in partnership as to how we can keep this going,” she said.
Councillor John Sepulis suggested the board believes the centre could be maintained at little or zero cost.
Councillor Ken Roth appreciated the work done by the Badenoch board.
“I would never be in favour of selling it … in fact, I would like to see this designated as a heritage building,” he said.
Roth’s concern was the accessible washroom issue.
“We were looking a price of $300,000 – and all it would do is ruin the building as it is,” he said.
Roth said he could not see the municipality spending that amount of money.
Yet, as a municipal building it will need to meet accessibility requirements by 2025.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer also recognized the efforts of the volunteers.
He too had concern over cost estimates for potential upgrades, but believes there are ways to “sharpen the pencils” to keep costs lower.
“You’ve done more than your fair share … I think that counts for something,” he said adding part of the original thought process was giving ownership in recognition of all the work the board and volunteers have done.
Mayor Dennis Lever said an engineering firm was used for the building audit which provided potential costs.
He added as costs were being explored, discussion looked at whether the community would like to take possession of the centre.
“We did not want to push you into something you didn’t want,” Lever said.
“You can see from the discussion around the table that the lease is going to continue.”
At the same time Lever said there are going to be challenges ahead.
He said work is going to be required in the future and the township is responsible for any major costs.
“The accessibility issue at some point is going to rear its head … and it is going to be a challenge to provide that and maintain the heritage aspects of the building,” he said.
