a

A Late  Night

The Tall Ships are sailing into Toronto for the Redpath Festival. (t should be well worth  a train trip to Toronto with the young ones.

It's the stuff of memories. The kind that makes a child's imagination soar. Toronto  Centre Island is a magical  place. 

Last night was  a general committee meeting. The votes are to recommend to Council, Recorded votes are not taken in committee. So. I'm not  certain of the vote on the so-called  Heritage Park. It could  change again between now and  next Tuesday. 

But I don't think so. Everyone seemed  fairly strong in the conclusion they arrived at. 

No  public money was  allocated for a feasibility  study  for the HERITAGE PARK  whatever that may have been,

The vote was six to three. The debate was extensive.and I thought covered every angle. 

Some Councillors favoured the idea but didn't think  taxpayers should pay to prove the project is feasible.

Mr.Albino delegated again . He told us Mr.McIntyre was willing to sell his property to the town at several points below  value.

He noted Hillary  House would  be part of the project BUT didn't talk  about what  price the owner had in mind for the Redman Houe. 

Not that the Council chamber ,during a public meeting , is the place for real estate negotiations. 

Or the value of a  property is the price a buyer  is willing to pay. 

He  referred to people of status on the committee backing the proposal but didn't suggest willingness to invest in the project. 

The Mayor was enthusiastic about the idea. I don't imagine he will give up easily. The

next week will be a  test of resolve. But I don't think much will change . Most Councillors had solid reasons for their decision.

I called it a money grab. The Mayor scolded. Said the words were inappropriate.

I think "money-grab" is very appropriate terminology for that which I wished to convey. 

Councllor Gallo has his lap-top on the desk in front of him. He focused at one point in proving  what I thought happened previously had actually not . He shared the Mayor's enthusiasm but didn't think the taxpayers should pay to establish feasibility. 

Councillor Thompson was strong in his position the project had not been validated; 

I noted the Historical Society's dependence on the town for grant money to manage the Hillary House. 

I reminded Council of funds allocated from the hydro asset to create a home for the town's historical collection and how  trust  and confidence  were betrayed. 

But it's not done yet. Council is the vote that counts. 

I'm optimistic.