It looks like Wellington North Township’s administration offices might be getting a new home.
Following CAO/Clerk Lorraine Heinbuch’s report on Aug. 9, council authorized the purchase of the former Sacred Heart Catholic School in Kenilworth.
The 3.7 acre property is in the heart of Kenilworth on the east side of Highway 6.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said discussions have been going on for quite a while. He explained a reserve fund for the purchase was set in place in 2006.
Heinbuch’s report stated that since 2005, council has been reviewing various reports with respect to health and safety, employment standards and accessibility, investigating the need, potential locations and acquisition with respect to administrative offices and council chambers in Kenilworth.
Since council established the reserve fund, the total transfer to reserves and interest income have amounted to $637,797.
Heinbuch added, “As council is aware, negotiations, which have been ongoing with the Wellington Catholic District School Board since 2006, have recently been completed.
“In 2008, the school board presented the township with an appraisal of the property with an estimated value of $455,000.
“We have negotiated the purchase of the property in the amount of $192,500.”
Broomhead said there are two lots on top of that.
Heinbuch said the property is 3.7 acres and there are two, and possibly three potential building lots.
“Again, it’s good News tonight,” Broomhead said. “We had abandoned the idea for a little while because we felt the price was sort of out of our range.”
Councillor Ross Chaulk added, “We refused, basically.”
Broomhead continued, “It’s nice to see that this has finally come about and everyone can see there was considerable planning put in behind this.”
Currently the property is being leased as a training facility for the Ontario Provincial Police. That lease expires on Feb. 28, but there is an option to renew for another year.
Council passed the bylaw authorizing the purchase of the former school in Kenilworth.
