By Thomas Smith

The plan for the Lochlin Community Centre takes one step forward.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Mike Timmins, the director of Public Works for Minden Hills sought support from council to accept Quantum Passivhaus’ bid of $649,000 plus HST to install a pre-fabricated facility at the site of the Lochlin Community Centre.

The proposed building will be approximately 1790 square feet with an 850 square foot conference room, two washrooms with at least one AODA compliant stall each, a kitchen, storage, and an aluminum roof.

“There is another option that we haven’t looked at and I think we really need to look at it,” said Councillor Ivan Ingram. “That is taking the old firehall down and moving it to Lochlin and thereby opening up some prime land right in the downtown area that we can do some work to draw some people back into our town.”

Mayor Bob Carter reminded council that the price tag quoted likely did not include other expenses such as septic and plumbing. However, Timmins said that it is an all-in price and there is a cash allowance in the RFP if needed.

“We intend to use the existing well, so there should not be any expenses there,” said Timmins.

Councillor Tammy McKelvey asked for a reminder on what was needed for the community centre to be used again.

While both councillors proposed alternative options, staff urged councilors to finally make a choice.

“We have been at this for 18 months as a committee,” said CAO Cynthia Fletcher. “We’ve gone in circles on this one.”

“Staff cannot do anything more than recommend to you the outcome of the RFP. I do remind you, we have been at this for 18 months,” she said.

Councillor Pam Sayne requested more information on the heating system that will be installed at the community centre, noting the energy savings with a forced air system.

Timmins reported that the septic will likely need to be worked on for the new building.

Carter voiced his concerns with the project.

“I for one have a real problem with $700,000 for this project,” said Carter. “In looking at our previous presentation on the asset management plan and looking at how our budgets are shaping up in terms of costs for things like OPP and not knowing what funding we are going to be getting from the provincial government, we are going to have serious challenges this year.”

Carter says that if the current Haliburton County budget meetings are any indication, MH will have quite a challenge for their budgeting next year.

“$700,000 for this, as much as it is nice to have, I’m not really certain that the number of people that it serves is something that the township of Minden Hills can afford right now,” he said.

“I am one vote on council here but I cannot see spending $700,000 on this. This is way expensive.”

“Gelert and Lochlin each had a community hall,” said McKelvey. “Gelert’s hall was taken away. Lochlin’s hall was basically abandoned by the township.”

McKelvey says that over the years, she has seen many intimate gatherings take place at the Lochlin Community Centre. In addition, there is the baseball diamond right beside the hall available to the public.

“I guess by the same argument, there should be one of these in Miner’s Bay,” said Carter.

“I want to proceed with this, but I absolutely do not want us to demolish the existing facility if we are not going to rebuild,” said McKelvey.

Councillor Bob Sisson recollected that it would cost $350,000 to renovate the preexisting building. He says that if they cannot afford the price tag, then they should commit to the renovation of the preexisting space.

“In rural areas, we don’t have common community spaces,” said Pam Sayne “We are trying to increase those community spaces.”

“When we give it back to the community, it can be something where they can be renting it out for activities,” said Pam Sayne. “So it’s not totally just sinking money into a building, it’s a resource for safety, building community, and it can also generate revenue as we see different events taking place.”

Sayne says that some people have contacted her to see if they can book the venue with its proximity near the rail trail.

“This is a really important asset to our rural community,” said Sayne.” If we start to take away those resources in my opinion, we are not doing any better than we are seeing provincially where schools are being taken away from rural areas. I think we really need to support this.”

Carter says that he is interested in building up the community, but questions whether or not the hall would be a moneymaker.

“Maybe it is just me but $700,000 for a community centre in Lochlin is too much for me,” said Carter. “Considering all the other needs across the community.”

Councillor Ivan Ingram says that he has had community members in the Lochlin area question why they need 1,800 square feet for the hall.

“Why can’t we replace what is existing,” asked Ingram.

Fletcher reminded council that they have visited this issue repeatedly with different square footage and methods of both replacing and repairing the community centre.

“I would say right now folks, if we are cutting out things that are in the RFP proposal, it is a completely different project,” said Fletcher.

“Respectfully Mr. Mayor, you made the comment of ‘I’m only one vote’ and unfortunately with the strong mayor powers, you could veto our decision,” said McKelvey.

McKelvey says that she needs a commitment from the mayor before agreeing to demolish and replace the community centre.

Carter replied by reminding the council that they had not voted on the issue yet. If it comes to it, he is not sure what his position would be regarding a veto, or even if he has the power to veto it.

“I have not thought it through or examined it,” said Carter.

Fletcher reminded the council that if this project is awarded, there would be work done following the decision.

“We did not recommend to council, deferring this to the 2026 budget process,” said Fletcher.

All councilors voted in favour of awarding the contract of a new pre-fabricated build, with Mayor Carter voting against.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Schell was absent for the voting due to a personal conflict.

McKelvey was adamant that due to the threat from strong mayor powers, that the conclusion combined the demolition of Lochlin Community Centre with the installation of the new building.

Carter said that he does not object to the notion that if the building is demolished, a replacement will be constructed.

The bid to demolish the Lochlin Community Centre was unanimously voted yes.