Now that construction has begun on a new fire station at McCleary Drive, discussions have started as to what should happen with Fire Station 1 on Towpath Street.
As ThoroldToday reported, the city wants to close down Fire Station 1 because of issues ranging from asbestos to leaking sewage.
At an August 2 city council meeting, councillor John Kenny proposed that the Thorold Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation (TMNPHC) get right of first refusal when it comes to the sale of the property, so that they could possibly build an affordable housing project for seniors.
However, not everyone is on board with that idea.
Former Thorold Mayor Malcolm Woodhouse gave a presentation at Tuesday’s city council meeting to lay out his case as to why the building should be turned into the Thorold museum.
“To me this could be an anchor project that ties together all the historical aspects of downtown including all the designated homes that are situated in the area,” he told council members.
The Thorold Museum Board has recently been making efforts to better preserve Thorold's rich history. Back in May, city council approved a three-year plan that seeks to further develop the Thorold Museum and its collection.
In his presentation at Tuesday's city council meeting, Woodhouse explained that the fire hall on Towpath Street is built on a landfill and therefore would not be suitable for an affordable housing project.
“You should be looking for locations that you can build something substantial,” he said. “To build something on a landfill you will not get financing or mortgage money from the CMHC. You can spend a lot of time spinning your wheels on it but there’s other property sites that are much more attractive.”
As an example, Woodhouse mentioned the property adjacent to the Welland Mills on Pine Street, as well as the old arena.
After Woodhouse finished his presentation, Councillor Kenny reiterated that all the TMNPHC is looking for is the first right of refusal.
“It’s been mentioned by numerous people that you might not be able to build on it and that’s fine,” councillor Kenny told fellow councillors. “The board would be willing to look into the costs. We all know that we need senior housing in Thorold.”
Other council members agreed that affordable housing for seniors should be the priority.
“At least we have to try to do this,” said councillor Nella Dekker. “At least then we can say we tried. If it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t work out but I’ll support councillor Kenny’s motion.”
Councillor Ken Sentance proposed that the Thorold Museum Board work together with the TMNPHC to conceive a shared project.
“I would love to see the both sides get together,” he said. “Senior housing is a priority. Doctor right there, pharmacy right there, bus stop right there, shopping and dining right there—I can’t think of a better spot for something like that.”
Councillor David Jim Handley suggested that the meeting move into closed session because it was a discussion on the sale of public lands. Councillor Anthony Longo agreed and said he didn’t feel like the old fire hall was the right location for an affordable housing project.
After some back-and-forth, it was decided that the city will seek legal counsel before recording a vote on whether or not the TMNPHC should get the first right of refusal.
“I’m going to request staff’s help on this to make sure all the ducks are in a row,” said councillor Kenny. “Next council meeting is my last and I want to make sure that it is voted on then.”
