Council chugs forward with station restoration

BARRIE - Even as city council approved moving forward with the new-solo Allandale Train Station restoration project, it continues to seek a “white knight” from the private sector to save it from carrying the full expense.

“I want to see if there are other opportunities out there we can find,” said Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard at Monday night’s council meeting. “Since the costs have started to unfold (after the YMCA backed out of a cost-sharing partnership and left the city to contemplate going forward with the $4.3-million project alone), I haven’t been comfortable.”

Ward 10 Coun. Alex Nuttall agreed with the potential benefit to taxpayers of exploring private-public partnerships for both the restoration and maintenance phases of the site, and received staff confirmation that such an endeavour wouldn’t derail its current direction.

“This always sounds good,” said Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman. “The trick is how much is public and how much is private.”

He said partnerships allowing public access – like an ice cream shop or café – would be ideal.

“My concern is whatever that function is, it’s open to the public,” he added.

During the discussion, Ward 1 Coun. Mike Ramsay also made it clear he wanted to ensure the signage from potential partners didn’t take away from the heritage appearance.

“I don’t want a big Lucky Louie’s Tattoo Parlour sign,” he cautioned.

“We’re looking for a partner, not a sponsor,” agreed Ward 3 Coun. Rod Jackson. “They’re radically different things.”

In the end, council agreed to move forward an amended motion authorizing a 10-year debenture of $4.3 million to complete the base-building restoration and public-programming consultation phases of the project within two years.

Council also directed staff to investigate public-private partnership opportunities that would allow for private commercial use but maintain public ownership.

mlawson@simcoe.com