Prince Edward County appears ready to go ahead with purchase of the former Queen Elizabeth School property in Picton but not everyone on council is supportive.
At the Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, a recommendation to complete the purchase of the property for $1.375 million was passed.
However, some councillors called it too risky since the County’s funding request from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund was not approved.
Housing Director Adam Goheen told the committee that staff recommend moving forward with the purchase and explore options involving a third party partnership towards establishing a community services hub in the former school and affordable housing on the property.
Goheen says with the property secured, the County would be able to retain a strong level of control over its future use.
Suggestions staff have made to move forward include a partnership with private interest focusing on the hub concept, a partnership with private interest focusing on housing, and a partnership with private interest in the entire site with hub concept to be retained.
Mayor Steve Ferguson reminded council that about a year ago they unanimously voted in favour of going ahead with the purchase and asked for everyone’s support.
“I’ve been a believer and a fighter for this for over six years. I started that conversation in August of 2019 when I told the then Director of Education that that site in Picton, in our largest settlement area, was crucially important to the community.”
Councillor Chris Braney said while everyone on council wants a community services hub and more affordable housing along with it, this is not the way to go.
“I hate to always sound like the strict parent around the table but I’m very concerned with the money that we’re spending. I don’t particularly feel confident – where it’s coming from, how we’re doing it. So, I’m not in favour of it.”
Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer said in a time when the County is starting conversations about what to do with the long list of buildings it already owns, this is not the time to add another one at such a cost.
“I think it’s another example of a project that made a lot of sense at the time with the funding we were hoping to receive but things have changed.”
The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board has put a deadline of June 10 for the County to purchase the property.
Several councillors requested more time to explore options but County CAO Marcia Wallace said there have been multiple extensions and it does not appear the board is willing to wait any longer.
The property is likely worth much more on the open market.
Councillor Phil St. Jean called it the smartest and best way forward.
“If we don’t take advantage of this opportunity, then I’m gonna ask each and every one of you, come up with a better idea. What should we do? What do you want to do? What is a better idea than this? I’m not seeing any of it.”
The County would purchase the school with interim funding from its current operating fund.
The motion was carried 9-5 in a recorded vote with councillors Braney, Pennell, Harrison, Prinzen and Engelsdorfer voting against it.
It will be up for final approval at the next meeting of council.
