What is our Old Town Hall worth?

Now the cost for proposed renovations to the Old Town Hall is estimated to be $8.4 million, up from the $6 million estimate as recently as November last year.  It begs the question, what is an appropriate investment in this building to best serve the community? Here is the background.

 

The Old Town Hall is a historic building in downtown Newmarket that was built in 1883. Organized theatre and performing arts have been performed at the Old Town Hall for well over 100 years. In late 2008, the Town of Newmarket applied to the Building Canada Fund for a grant to assist in funding renovations estimated to be $5.1 million. Early last year we received confirmation that a $3.4 million dollar grant had been awarded.

 

Because we were faced with a very short time frame to submit the application, the grant request was submitted without the benefit of the advice from an architect, prior consultation with the user groups or the community at large. We knew this would be undertaken if we were successful.  A number of competing applications were also being submitted for various other programs at the same time, including our Community Urban Space Project (CUSP).

 

Having gone through the process of engaging an architect / heritage consultant, and receiving input from stakeholders and user groups, an exciting proposal was presented at a Public Information Centre.  It received resounding support from all who attended.

 

The proposal included renovations to the main theatre; meeting rooms; public areas; construction of an addition to the back to provide support areas and additional public congregation areas. It also proposed lowering the basement floor to make the basement available for public use as fully accessible art studios and storage spaces. In addition, the main floor would be available for meetings or exhibits, and would include an improved kitchen and catering facilities as well as outside improvements for landscaping, a canopy and patio. You should drop by the municipal office to see the model to gain a true perspective of the proposal.

 

The proposal is well beyond the scope originally anticipated, and current cost estimates are now in the $8.4 million range. Council has directed staff to resubmit a proposal that reduces the project by approximately $2 million.  This will substantially impact the functionality and features of the project.  If we do this I feel we will turn our back to an opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity to make a bold statement about our commitment to our Cultural Master Plan, our history, our heritage and the opportunity to build community spaces for people to gather.  Community support was very strong at our public meeting. Everyone was excited about the project as something we would all be proud of.

 

With the Federal / Provincial funding support to cover almost half of the $8.4 million project costs, there is no question in my mind that the proposal is affordable and within our ability to finance without affecting our tax rate and without having to borrow. The recommendations that were defeated by the tied vote at the April 5, Council meeting would have confirmed this was possible. This still needs to be explored.

 

I think its time to stand up for our commitment to the quality of life in Newmarket, and our commitment to the Old Town Hall for what it can be, as an important part of our Cultural Master Plan. If we don’t do that now, it will never get done and the whole community will wear this decision for generations.  So, we need to consider our next steps very carefully. 

 

In these economic times it’s true that we will face many tough decisions. When it affects the fabric and essence of our community, the tough decision is to say “Yes”. 

 

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Please share your thoughts with me on this important issue.