Wellington County is planning to retain its newly-discovered ownership of the Badenoch Community Centre and lease it back to current users.
In July, Puslinch council members, who were under the impression the property at 4217 Watson Road South was owned by the township, were shocked to discover the property is actually owned by the county.
The discovery was made after Puslinch council offered the property to the Badenoch Community Centre Board, but the board asked to continue its current lease arrangement with the township until 2026.
In an update to township council on July 19, Puslinch CAO Karen Landry explained title research revealed the property was transferred to the county in 1945, long before a school formerly in the building closed.
Under an arrangement recommended by county staff and approved at the Oct. 26 Wellington County council meeting, the county will retain ownership of the property the Badenoch Community Centre sits on and ensure the title is rectified to clearly indicate county ownership.
The county and the Badenoch Community Centre Board, which will form a non-profit corporation, will enter into a lease agreement to the year 2026 for the use of the building and property in essentially the same form as the current lease between the Township of Puslinch and the board.
A report from county clerk Donna Bryce notes the township has indicated it is prepared to cover the legal cost for incorporation and independent legal advice on the benefits of forming a not-for-profit organization versus a charitable trust at an estimated cost of $2,000.
A report from county CAO Scott Wilson notes county staff are budgeting for maintenance requirements of the facility.
“Other costs associated with the property would be insurance and legislated testing of the small drinking water system every three months,” noted Wilson in his report.
