LAURIE WEIR
The Town of Perth is negotiating the purchase of 16 Conlon Farm, from the owners of Heritage Bikes and Rentals Inc.
During the regular committee of the whole meeting for the Town of Perth on Tuesday, March 5, a requisition was brought forward by the town’s chief administrative officer, Michael Touw, to complete the $675,000 purchase of the property, which does not include the business.
The sale is to be completed by March 22, 2024.
Touw said this bylaw is to complete the process of purchase, as they negotiated the deal which was accepted by the owners in February. They’ve also put down a $10,000 deposit down on the .99-acre property.
Coun. Dave Bird said this is about not just the immediate efficient operation of the town, but it’s necessary if the town is to grow, “that we have this facility.”
Bird said the property is “not an extension of bureaucracy, because if it was, I would not vote for it.”
It’s in relation to “getting things done now,” as there is a need for the space, he said.
“We will certainly need it down the road.”
Coun. Jim Boldt said based on the information gleaned in this transaction, especially giving the town’s parks and recreation staff a permanent home, it all has value, he said.
“Typically, I don’t support spending a lot of money for the acquisition of land in the town,” Boldt said. “And spending that kind of money for any reason, unless there’s really good cause for it. In this particular case, I see this as an investment. Yes, the market is volatile, but I see this as creating another asset … and filling a need, or a niche for connecting the dots for Conlon Farm. For that reason, I support this motion.”
Coun. Gary Waterfield echoed the comments of fellow councillors.
“This really is a strategic investment in infrastructure in a growing town … it’s not just the building. There is also a recreational field behind the building that we’re currently using and renting to the previous owner. So, this is not just for today. This is for tomorrow. This is a strategic investment that I fully support.”
Coun. Isabel Anne McRae, who chaired the meeting, said she too was in agreement, especially the additional green space and recreational facilities for the town’s young families. She also liked the fact that there would be space for staff and perhaps a meeting space for the community, “that sports groups and community groups may want to take advantage of.”
The recommendation was passed unanimously to move forward with a bylaw to finish the purchase agreement with Heritage Bikes and Rentals Inc.
A request for a comment from the bike shop owner has not yet been received by this publication. There is an indication on their Facebook page that the closure of the bike shop is a temporary measure and to watch for details.
“There’s a chance we might see a bike shop sprouting up again in Perth,” a notice reads from owner Pete Wood and marketing/content creator Julie Brunelle. “While we’re still in the early stages, we’re keeping our fingers crossed and staying optimistic. Rest assured, as soon as we have more juicy details to share, you’ll be the first to know!”
Edit: This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 to reflect that the transaction has not been completed.
