Re: CF purchase of schools

Erech Morrison | Dec 09, 2015

In the November 30, 2015 issue, Jeff Green reported on the Township of Central Frontenac’s purchase of the old schools (Central Frontenac Buys Two School Properties)Central Frontenac Buys Two School Properties) in Parham and Sharbot Lake

The concept that Council would be negotiating their purchase without a business plan in place, and having to borrow money to do that, is the kind of unprofessional thinking we hard-pressed ratepayers do not need. Central Frontenac’s population base over the past 20 years is static at best (2011 – 4,556; 2006 – 4,665; 2001 – 4,557; 1996 – 4,615).

Two ideas were promulgated: that they could be used either as equipment garages, or as a seniors’ residence. Mr. Green quite correctly pointed out that the township has relatively new garages on Road 38 and Highway 7. I would add also, that a private investor has spent the past year renovating the old seniors’ residence in Sharbot Lake, in the expectation of making that available soon to local citizens - its principals do not need the township competing with them.

There is absolutely no economic or practical reason for Central Frontenac to negotiate and acquire these school properties, and having them lie dormant while Council dreams up uses for them. There is no growth to support this. Let the private sector buy them. There are enough empty structures lying around our township, as anybody can see.