Hard choices

Council considers cost and future of Wellington Town Hall

Mayor Steve Ferguson described the report detailing the spending needed to restore 49 of the County’s buildings to proper order as “sobering.” But not so sobering as to discourage him from thinking there might be a way the party could keep going.

The Wellington Town Hall was on the docket last Thursday. It is one of the buildings described by third-party engineers as in really bad shape. It needs at least $700,000 in repairs over the next ten years. Most of it immediately. Additionally, it needs work to make it accessible to those with mobility challenges. More money is needed to make the kitchen safe. This is all before considering what to do about the abandoned second floor.

The proposal on the table last week was to form a working group to scour the earth to find the right buyer for this property— someone who will invest in the building, abide by the strict rules to retain its heritage and architectural features and restore it to a vital village feature once more.

While the motion passed the committee, a councillor from Ameliasburgh opposed staff’s plan and promised to pull the item for reconsideration when it comes back to be ratified at council next week. Councillor Janice Maynard hopes to gain enough support in the interim— around the council table and in the community—to derail the plan.

Maynard likely isn’t so concerned about the Wellington Town Hall, but worries it will be used as a template for the County to sell other underperforming and bleedingly expensive buildings. If the Wellington Town Hall goes, which one is next?

It is a fair concern—but one this council or another down the road will have to manage. Otherwise, Council must persuade residents to fork out a lot more in property taxes each year to pay for the dozens of decaying buildings the County owns.

Lisa Lindsay manages property for the County. She reported to Council that this building was before them last week because it had been used for the past couple of years as office space for the municipality while repairs were ongoing at Shire Hall. It is now empty again.

Lindsay observed that in a perfect world, the County would keep all its “wonderful, beautiful assets.”

But she added, “There is currently no financial plan—or money—to manage these buildings. We have a lot of assets with very poor ratings.” Choices must be made.

She suggested that a community working group be tasked to define what an “expression of interest” might look like to ensure that it goes into the hands of folks who will spend the money needed to bring it back to its former majesty.

She insisted the process would prioritize the potential use and likelihood of success over the potential sale price.

Several residents spoke to Council, urging them not to sell the building. Some don’t like the alternative meeting places in Wellington. They prefer the centrality of the town hall and don’t want to be “forced” to go to the “smelly” community centre.

Speaking on behalf of the Wellington Community Centre, Joanna Green reported that her organization’s surveys had shown a “strong desire to keep it.” She urged proper and authentic consultation with the community before it was divested.

Richard Elliott observed that investing in upgrading the town hall would be reflected in the increased value of the asset. He noted, too, that there was value that could be unleashed from restoring the second floor. He suggested renting the building rather than selling it.

While Mayor Ferguson voted in favour of the property manager’s recommendation, he held out hope that it could somehow be kept in municipal hands.

“Notwithstanding the cost, I view that structure with its prominent position on Main Street considering its proximity to the park, the lake, its history and heritage. It has many years of use ahead of it,” said Ferguson.

But does this mean the County has to own it?

Wellington councillor Corey Engelsdorfer has had a long and intimate role with this building. The last time the County concluded it could no longer look after the town hall, the council appointed a Board of Management as a last-ditch effort to encourage bookings and oversee maintenance and its operation. Engelsdorfer chaired that Board as a private resident.

It didn’t work.

“I was on the Board of Management,” said Engelsdorfer. “We struggled. It just wasn’t used. The second floor that hasn’t been occupied in my lifetime—I would guess anybody’s lifetime. It sits there vacant.”

Engelsdorfer believes the town hall is a historical asset that deserves protection, but is no longer a functional public building.

“It needs investment,” said Engelsdorfer.

He pointed to the engineering report tabled on Tuesday that showed 49 County-owned buildings requiring nearly $100 million of repair and upkeep. No money has been put aside to fund these repairs. The cost must come directly from taxes.

Without the money to pay for these buildings, Engelsdorfer fears they will continue to crumble and slide further into disuse.

“The greater good is served by allowing the private sector to assume this building,” said Engelsdorfer. “Someone with a passion for heritage assets. Someone who will restore it to the jewel it once was on Main Street.

Councillor Phil St-Jean reminded his colleagues of a public meeting in the town hall where a vast majority present supported the renewal of the building in private hands.

“It was a packed room,” said St-Jean. “Just about every hand went up when asked whether the building should be sold. It’s time to move on.”

But not everyone around the horseshoe was ready to move on. Some didn’t like the idea that the outcome of a process likely to see this building leave public hands. Picton councillor Kate MacNaughton wants “open and broad consultation” before a working group is formed to examine expressions of interest.

“Just because there was a desire a few years ago to divest doesn’t mean there isn’t a resurgence of interest now,” said MacNaughton.

The village has many meeting spaces. The museum. The library. The community centre. The Legion hall. Two church halls. But perhaps none quite as nice as the town hall.

“Each of the alternate spaces lacks the qualities that this beautiful building has,” said Mc- Naughton.

Ultimately, however, Council must make some sobering choices. It is not yet clear it is ready to do so.