Prince Edward County Councillor Dianne O’Brien. (Photo: John Spitters / Quinte News)
Some on Prince Edward County council are concerned about a property in the heart of downtown Wellington.
Councillors Dianne O’Brien and David Harrison both say they’re hearing from citizens wondering why council hasn’t done anything after buying 282 Main Street in Wellington.
Over two years ago, the county bought the property, with the intention of demolishing the old convenience story and other add-on businesses in order to reroute Lane Creek through the property and avoid problems with Wharf Street.
The creek is causing erosion in the immediate area.
However, many Wellington residents wanted the county to save the old convenience store building, considered a heritage property.
Council decided to look at other options for what would have been a one and a half million dollar project involving the demolition of the building and creek diversion.
In July, staff, in conjunction with consultants, presented three options: rerouting the creek around the perimeter of the property and keeping just the convenience store building with a minor relocation of the building, rerouting the creek around the perimeter of the building and demolishing the building, or demolishing the building and rerouting the creek through the property.
Rerouting the creek around the perimeter and either keeping the building or demolishing it would add about $500,000 to the one and a half million original cost.
However, the county would recoup a large portion of the extra cost by allowing another lot to be created and sold on the open market.
Prince Edward County councillor David Harrison. (Photo: Quinte News)
Both councillors O’Brien and Harrison believe council should stick with the original plan to demolish the convenience store building and get on with it. Both said people wanted to know what taxpayers were paying for heat, hydro, and other upkeep as it sat dormant.
County staff maintain they are simply working through a process ordered by council after the initial public meetings at the time the county purchased the property.
Council has not made any decision regarding how to handle the property.
Councillor Janice Maynard said whatever happens, council will need more exact costs on the options before another public meeting on the issue.
In the end, county council’s Committee of the Whole voted to recommend council ask for regular verbal updates from staff about the project.
