A defunct gravel pit and equipment depot in Cherry Valley and the Lake Street Garage should be declared surplus and sold, says a detailed report by the  Community Facilities and Recreation department that has been in the works for years. 

Not so fast, said Councillors.

 The report also recommened consolidating at the Sandy Hook Operational Services facility, which would mean an expansion. Lisa Lindsay, Director of Recreation and Community Facilities, prepared a detailed report recommending both selling the surplus facilities and expanding Sandy Hook. 

Hesitations

Councillor Brad Nieman jumped in early, however, with a deferral resolution.

But staff noted the report was a collaborative effort between departments in response to four Council resolutions over four years. 

“I appreciate that Council hasn’t been toured on all these locations but that’s why you have experts on staff, and that’s why we commissioned the Roth IAMS study,” said CAO Marcia Wallace. That two-year study examined 49 aging municipal properties and detailed needed repairs and expenses. “I would ask you to trust the operational role.” 

The Cherry Valley Pit and Equipment Depot houses nine Outdoor Services staff and five trucks. Council voted to relinquish the quarry license as the pit has been out of commission for years. 

The building has significant plumbing issues and a leaky roof. Operational Services staff said it is an inefficient location for their work. 

The report recommends selling the Lake Street Garage because staffing needs have outgrown the space, which requires significant renovations.

While Councillor Nieman was in favour of divesting from surplus buildings, he remained unconvinced by the staff recommendation to expand the Sandy Hook facility.

“I cannot go out there and tell the public we’re going to spend $10 million but we can’t fix your road. That is just not going to happen,” he said. 

Ms. Lindsay asked Councillors what they were looking to gain from a deferral.  

“I do believe a lot of work has gone into this report. I’m understanding, Councillor Nieman, what you’re saying, but I am wondering if it’s beneficial to get some more details on how these recommendations came about that would help make the tour have more meaning,” she said.

Councillor Chris Braney noted he was in favour of relinquishing the buildings, but did not want to do so if it meant an expensive replacement. 

“I do not want us to sell these properties and then state we’re building some new complex,” he said. “We’re already spending money like no tomorrow and I’m not in favour of that.”

Director of Operations Troy Gilmour clarified, noting that while the expanded facility would be a big investment, it could be done in phases. 

Councillor Sam Branderhorst also pushed back on the potential high cost of the Sandy Hook expansion. 

“We are once again putting the cart before the horse,” she said. 

Councillors also brainstormed creative ways to repurpose buildings. Councillor Bill Roberts inquired about storing the fleet in one of the arenas, while Chris Braney suggested Jack Taylor Park. 

“What I’m hearing is everybody has ideas and everybody would like more time to think about it,” Councillor Hirsch said.

The resolution to defer decision on the Cherry Valley, Lake Street, and Sandy hook facilities until the first Committee of the Whole meeting in June, pending a tour for Councillors carried 9 to 3. Mayor Ferguson, Councillor Hirsch, and Councillor Roberts were opposed.

Staff will also be coming back with a report on the potential employment of the Picton Town Hall as office space, and suggested renovating the Bloomfield Fire Hall for the staff currently housed in the Edward on Picton Main Street. Ending that lease would enable further cost savings. The renovation will be paid for with unspent funds from the 2024 budget.