The Town of BWG has been making ‘strategic purchases,’ using money in its reserves to acquire properties needed to achieve the town’s strategic objectives.
First it was the old Bradford High School, a heritage building at 28 Queen St., purchased in 2016 for a potential educational or arts centre. Then, it was the former RBC branch on Holland St. E., left vacant when the bank moved to Holland St. W..
On Tuesday night, in a closed-door session, town council voted to approve the purchase of homes at 103 and 129-141 Simcoe Rd. to facilitate the future redevelopment of the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre property.
The Community Centre Master Plan, presented last year, recommended the town purchase four homes on Simcoe Road, adding to the existing property at 125 Simcoe Rd.
The lands could be used as the site of a future municipal Administration Centre, the consultant suggested, and an affordable housing apartment.
Two of the owners have declined to sell to the town at this point.
“Council established a Capital Facility Reserve in the 2019 budget to contribute to the funding for projects like the Community Centre redevelopment, which would include any necessary land acquisition,” said Mayor Rob Keffer.
“Although the actual project won’t likely start for a few years, council decided it would be beneficial to acquire the Simcoe Road Properties now, rather than at future inflated values," said Keffer.
Asked about the RBC building, which has been sitting vacant since it was purchased by the town, Mayor Keffer said that the municipality “has entered into a lease agreement with a group intending to operate a medical practice from the building. We think this will be a great use of the space, and are working with the tenant on issuing a joint news release shortly.”
As for the old Bradford High School, which has also been sitting vacant and falling into disrepair, the mayor said, “We will continue to look for good opportunities to work with partners on the future use of the old high school and will take the steps necessary to maintain it in a suitable physical condition.”
