Town's bid to buy GCC property gets council support - in private

Posted October 10, 2012

New Tecumseth councillors met in closed session last night where they reportedly approved the terms of a tentative package believed to include the Town purchasing the Gibson Cultural Centre (GCC) from the non-profit corporation that owns it, through an arrangement that would service the mortgage held by members of the Gibson family and allow the centre to continue operating but on a smaller scale.

In a press release issued this morning making note of last night's meeting closed to the press and public, the only new information provided was "The majority of Council members agreed to move the proposal to the next step - which is to have affected community user groups review the proposal." That's expected to include the Alliston Rotary Club which leases second floor space.

Mayor Mike MacEachern is quoted in the press release suggesting that the public will have input into the issue "when an option is negotiated that satisfies the needs of the affected parties."

Last March, council appointed a "working committee" comprised of the mayor, deputy mayor Rick Milne, and Ward 3 councillor Paul Whiteside, whose mandate was "based on a principle that ensures no ongoing substantial additional funding requirements from the Town."

Since then, the focus shifted to the Town buying the GCC, and as a result, the matter turned confidential, which is addressed in the press release with a notation that "All negotiations that could lead to the acquisition of property are closed session items and are covered by legislation to allow protection of those discussions."

The proposal presented last night has the agreement of the other parties since they were part of negotiating it so last night's closed session was the first time it was tabled seeking council's approval. Alcohol and food sale rights are also believed to be a component to be determined, since the centre is a licensed facility.

The press release did not include timelines for the public's involvement, though it notes it will take place at an upcoming committee of council meeting.

"Before any action is taken, the community and the public will be invited to participate in discussions," according to the mayor.

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