Tay council had to defer its excitement around the Waubaushene Pines School property until after a community group presents its thoughts next week.
At a recent committee meeting, Coun. Barry Norris shared the adhoc committee's thoughts around the building with the rest of council.
The approximate 3.24-hectare property has 110 feet of frontage on Pine Street, about 200 feet along Elm Street on the side and some 325 feet in the back running along Thiffault Street, says the report.
The school building has four classrooms on a total area of 6,863 square feet.
The report also makes a number of suggestions around future uses for the property if the township goes ahead with the purchase, adding the building would require work from a structural engineer and designer if it is to be assigned as an affordable housing project.
Norris asked the staff member to explain why that would be so.
Terry Tompkins, manager of building services/chief building official, who was also on the tour taken by the adhoc committee last year, answered the question:
"Looking at the various sections of deterioration and the age of the building, to satisfy the building department in regards to permits that would be issued, we would be looking for a structural engineer to go through the building to ensure it's structurally sound and will meet the purpose it will be intended for," he said.
"Because it's an assembly occupancy, an architect or engineer is required to do drawings to incorporate changes, which includes accessibility."
Another suggestion by the committee was to repurpose the building to be used as a community hub, which incorporates the Waubaushene library.
"I am in favour of the site," said Coun. Mary Warnock, who was also on the tour. "I like the location. We have to ensure it's feasible and it's going to meet the needs of the people in that community.
"I like the idea of re-purposing. I like the idea of maybe looking at incorporating a library and possibilities of the sale of that property to put toward another facility of some kind."
However, Mayor Ted Walker cautioned council about making any decisions since a community group deputation to council next week hopes to make a case in favour of the property.
"I would hold off our decisions until we've given that group an opportunity to talk," he said.
In an email to MidlandToday, Evelyn Roberts, secretary of the Waubaushene Action Group, confirmed the group's intent to present to council on Jan. 27.
"The Waubaushene Action Group wants a multi-use community centre in Waubaushene," she wrote. "Our hamlet has been asking for this for years. We think the Pine Street school is an excellent opportunity because of its central, accessible location for the youth, seniors and residents of Waubaushene. Alternatively, the township could build a new centre in Waubaushene in Bridgeview Park.
After the Feb. 10 deadline, he said, the parties that have shown an interest will be notified.
"I believe it's another 90 days that those organizations have to submit their proposals for costing," said Norris. "When that happens, it is awarded and then the school board proceeds to the province to allow them to put the school on the open market."
