New Tecumseth councillors voted 6-2 last night to ratify last week's
committee recommendation to accept the federal government's $125,000
grant over two years which will be matched to create a $250,000 funding
pool to renovate Alliston Memorial Arena.
The grant program requires the work to be completed by March 2014, and
then the Town is obligated to retain the arena for at least six years.
Anything less, and the grant would have to be repaid.
Ward 1 councillor Bob Marrs, who favours selling the property and
building condominiums on it, and Ward 7 councillor Bruce Haire, who
changed his vote after supporting the project last week, voted against
the recommendation. Ward 6 councillor Richard Norcross declared a
conflict of interest, and Ward 5 councillor Donna Jebb was absent from
last night's meeting.
Work planned to the Nelson Street property include structural,
electrical and plumbing repairs, sprinkler system renovations,
accessibility improvements and community room upgrades. It's expected
that local businesses and organizations will provide donations toward
the project.
In 2012, the arena experienced 100 per cent growth, with over 3,000
hours of usage recorded. It's anticipated that the user rates for the
facility will increase following the 2013 budget approval.
