MINDEMOYA—The Mindemoya Old School Repurposing Committee (MOSRC) met June 11 for a further discussion of the plans for the historic building.
Mayor Richard Stephens requested that the subject of raising money for a new roof for the building be added to the agenda.
Talk then turned to the FedNor application grant. Chairman Ted Williamson asked for an update on the status of the application and Economic Development Officer (EDO) Nancy Kinoshameg responded that the submission would be going in (last) week.
Committee member Hal Love reported on the progress made by a member of a Sudbury architectural firm who is working pro-bono on ideas for the building. Andrea Tann, who is also an interior designer, will attend the next MOSRC meeting and report on possible uses for the structure.
The committee spoke of the installment of a ramp for the building that would go up the driveway on the arena side of the old school and then around to the back for access to the interior of the school. It was noted that the pump house, in the way of the proposed ramp, could be easily removed. Chairman Williamson then said, “speaking of accessibility, the elevator can always go on the outside of the building.”
The next item on the agenda was the subject of grants. “Is FedNor the only one that we can go after?” Mr. Williamson asked. To this, Joanne Smith said that she had contacted Carmen Robillard, program director for the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), to represent the committee. The mission of the OTF is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by strengthening the capacity of the volunteer sector through investment in community-based initiatives.
Jan McQuay then told the members that there would be a meeting with Mary Nelder at which the committee could ask questions about grants and funding. Ms. Nelder is the former general manager of the LaCloche-Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation that promotes economic development and provides small business loans. The committee also noted that the Heritage Foundation, now named the National Trust for Canada (NTC), should be approached for grants. The Foundation has a Launch Pad Coaching Grant that offers 14 hours of time with professionals for coaching, from fundraising and sponsorship to business planning and marketing. The NTC also connects organizations to corporate, foundation and government opportunities for heritage projects.
The discussion then turned to the need for a new roof for the school. As the Recorder noted earlier, the committee received an energy efficiency assessment from then program director for Rethink Green of Green Economy North and included in this report was that the roof meets minimum insulation values. The school building actually has two roofs, the first being a flat-top which is covered by vermiculite and fibreglass batts. There is also a truss roof on top of this.
If a complete redo of the roof is needed, Mr. Love said that the cost would run between $25,000 and $40,000.
Vice-Chairperson Sam Bondi remarked that the roof puts the committee between a rock and a hard place as to what would happen if the roof was replaced and then the feasibility study showed that there would not be further funding to move on with other changes. Mr. Love said that the structure looks good and that the township has a study on the roof.
Chairperson Williamson said, “I agree with Sam. We put $40,000 towards a roof and then we don’t get any more money, so we have spent $40,000 for nothing.”
Alex Baran stated that they had to get someone on a lift to take a look and see what the roof needs. It was suggested that Tom Cranston be asked to do this and Mr. Love will contact him and perhaps get a few other contractors to examine the roof. It was also suggested that Keith McAllister should be contacted as it was thought that he would know the condition of the roof.
Mr. McAllister told The Recorder that actually he worked on insulating the flat roof but that he knew that there would be nothing wrong with the trussed roof except the need to replace the shingles.
Under new business, Joanne Smith asked how the committee approaches the Trillium Foundation. Mr. Bondi suggested that they attend the meeting with Ms. Nelder and get some insight on how to do this. As well, Mr. Smith will encourage the committee to approach the National Trust for Canada to attend the meeting.
The final discussion centred on the mandate of the committee. Linda Farquhar said, “I think we should be approaching council about an extension for the mandate. The committee needs more time.” “
To this, Mayor Stephens said, “We have to determine what we are going to do with the roof before we ask for an extension.”
Chairperson Williamson added that a report to council by the third quarter is required and if the roof will last another year, the committee should ask for an extension of another year.
Mr. Smith commented that fundraising for a new roof should involve the community and mayor Stephens agreed saying, “Save the School with a new roof.”
“I think you have a good idea there,” Ms. McQuay added. “Getting the community involved.”
