Allow me to preface my statement by first saying that I support the reuse of the Wilson Farmhouse for community use as outlined in the City’s Official Plan. I do not support a sever and sell option. I have stated this many times.
Other Councillors have publicly stated their unwavering position to demolish the farmhouse or to explore sever and sell options.
At Monday’s Council meeting, Councillor Van Hellemond gave a notice of motion (NOM) regarding an identifiable individual. He has two months in which to bring forward a motion that will be dealt with in closed session as per Council’s protocol.
The subject of the NOM is me and my role in supporting a bid by a group of community leaders, for the reuse of the Wilson Farmhouse as a neighbourhood community centre.
Our proposal calls for the establishment of a Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organization. This Board will provide guidance and governance to the organization’s administration, for the renovation and operation of the centre. Should this proposal be successful, I will sit on the initial Board. Compensation will not provided to Board members.
More information regarding this proposal will be publicly available when the City releases it’s report, due sometime in May.
To draw a parallel, I sit on the Board of Trustees of the Elliott, an unpaid position. I have advocated for it’s designation as Guelph’s Home for the Aged, since 2006 when I was first appointed. There is a financial relationship between the City and the Elliott for which I oversee and am accountable to the City.
Many other long term care facilities were considered for this designation.
Through out the years, I have continually advocated and represented the interests of the Elliott as being Guelph’s best choice for our Home for the Aged. We reached a milestone on Monday with Council’s unanimous approval of the Elliott with this designation.
I will continue to support and advocate for the Elliott in my role as a member of the Board of Trustees. ian