Despite being offered the building, Centre Wellington has no plans to purchase the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Following a closed session on June 27, Mayor Kelly Linton read a resolution stating the township “will take no action in regard to the purchase of 75 Melville Street, Elora (Elora Centre for the Arts).”
Linton explained “we’ve taken no action on the right of first refusal.”
In explaining Centre Wellington council’s decision, CAO Andy Goldie said the township has an agreement regarding the sale of the Elora Centre for the Arts property: the township will be offered the building for purchase before anyone else and has 20 days to respond.
Goldie stated council reviewed a request from the centre’s board to purchase the building for $1 million.
“We said no – essentially we took no action,” Goldie said, noting that means the first right of refusal will dissipate.
He noted the township still has a second right of refusal, depending on what the board chooses to do in the future. It has to come back to the township if there is an offer by someone else or another partnership is proposed.
“Council is keeping that to ensure there will be a public process in the discussions on the future for the Elora Centre for the Arts.”
In June, the board firmly stated the sale of the building was not being considered.
Goldie stated the centre’s board wanted the township’s first right of refusal (on a sale) removed so that the board could further explore any types of partnerships or options.
He said board officials felt the township’s first right of refusal tied their hands somewhat.
He added, “Council however still wants to keep at least its second right of refusal on the property.”
