CENTRAL MANITOULIN—Central Manitoulin council debated a request from the Friends of the Mindemoya Old School (FOMOS) for a one-year extension to the milestone terms of the group’s lease on the building known as the Mindemoya Old School—historically one of the province’s first, if not first, continuation schools.
After some discussion on the motion proposed by Councillors Derek Stephens and Dale Scott, it was proposed by Councillor Brian Bisaillon that the extension be for two years, an amendment seconded by Councillor Linda Farquhar.
Councillors Stephens and Scott suggested that council stick to the original request, with Councillor Scott noting that FOMOS had already applied for and received a one-year extension. A position supported by Councillor Rose Diebolt. Councillor Bisaillon pointed out that one year was too short a timeline when applying for funding and grants and insisted on the two-year extension, backed by Councillor John Mitchell.
Councillor Scott also noted that the $500 million in repairs and the $1.2 million total price tag for their plans was a tall order for a small community group to fill.
“Each time we change the terms of the lease we have to have lawyers involved,” he said, pointing out that legal counsel is expensive. By granting a two-year extension, council would likely be able to not expend that funding on lawyers’ fees.
In the end, Councillor Bisaillon’s argument won out and the two-year extension was approved.
Councillor Stephens requested a recorded vote.
Councillors Scott, Stephens and Diebolt voted against the amended motion, while Councillors Bisaillon, Farquahar, Mitchell and Mayor Richard Stephens voted in favour.
